News
Tuesday, December 03, 2013
Religious leaders announce consensus code of conduct* Nine-point code bans hate speeches, use of loudspeaker, publication, distribution of books, pamphlets, literature, cassettes and websites containing hate material
Staff Report
LAHORE: Ittehad Bain-ul-Muslimeen Committee set up by the Punjab government for maintaining religious harmony, brotherhood and tolerance has issued a religious code of conduct approved unanimously.
The code of conduct has been issued by coordinators belonging to all schools of thought. It was approved in a meeting of Ittehad Bain-ul-Muslimeen Committee held at Aiwan-e-Auqaf on Monday, which was presided over by Provincial Minister for Auqaf and attended by Religious Affairs Ata Muhammad Maneka, Auqaf and Religious Affairs Secretary Saqib Aziz, coordinators Ittehad Bain-ul-Muslimeen Mufti Intekhab Ahmed Noori, Alhaj Haider Ali Mirza, Maulana Hafiz Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, Dr Abdul Ghafoor Rashid, Alhaj Habibullah Bhatti, Dr Sufi Zaheer Ahmed and Auqaf DG.
The code of conduct stipulates that no speaker, khateeb or zakir will show disrespect to Ahle Bait, companions of Holy Prophet (PBUH), four Caliphs (RA), wives of Holy Prophet (PBUH), Holy Imams and Imam Mehdi in their speeches. No person belonging to any sect will be declared kafir or wajibul qatal. No speech will be made against any sect creating hatred. Use of loudspeaker will be completely banned except “for azan and Friday sermon in Arabic, besides permission from local administration will be compulsory for holding congregations of all schools of thought.
The code says such meetings would be arranged at public level in which ulema of all schools of thought will give proof of national unity and religious harmony by addressing jointly. Ulema of all sects will be given due respect, and protection of worship places of all schools of thought will be ensured. There will be complete ban on display of weapons in meetings, processions, mosques, imambargahs and other worship places.
The government will ensure effective monitoring system for the practical enforcement of this code of conduct and administration will take legal action against the violators, irrespective of their sect. Slogans that hurt feelings, create hatred and provocation will be avoided completely. The code of conduct states that as the non-Muslims live with Muslims of various schools of thought in Pakistan, therefore, according to shariah, it is the responsibility of the government to protect life and property and worship places of non-Muslims. Under the code, strict legal action would be taken against those desecrating the life and property and worship places of non-Muslims. There will be complete ban on publication and distribution of books, pamphlets, literature, cassettes and websites containing hatred material.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk