ISLAMABAD: In a powerful show of unity, religious scholars from various schools of thought across the country rallied together on Friday, taking a bold stand against extremism, terrorism, and sectarian violence, while vowing steadfast support for the state, society, and the armed forces. This declaration came as part of ‘Youm-e-Paigham-e-Pakistan,’ a nationwide observance called by the Qaumi Paigham-e-Aman Committee, which brought together Ulema, Mashaikh, Imams, and religious preachers to address congregations across the country, from Karachi to Khyber. During the sermons, religious leaders emphasized the need for unity, urging the masses to uphold the Paigham-e-Pakistan consensus Fatwa and national narrative. They highlighted the dangers of takfir, hate speech, and sectarianism, which they described as toxic to the unity of the Muslim Ummah. The scholars collectively rejected any association between Islam and terrorism, denouncing those who carry out violent acts in the name of religion as deviant and in direct contradiction to Islamic teachings. Citing the Quran and Sunnah, they underscored that attacks against the state’s institutions, its armed forces, religious scholars, and citizens – regardless of their faith – are strictly prohibited in Islam. The statement reaffirmed that such acts of violence are tantamount to defying the commands of Allah and the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The scholars also reiterated their support for Pakistan’s state and military, pledging to continue standing with them in the fight against extremism and terrorism. In their message, the religious leaders expressed full cooperation with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Filed Marshal Syed AsimMunir in their efforts to secure peace and stability in the country. However, they also stressed their duty to voice opposition to any un-Islamic practices that may arise, in accordance with the Islamic principle of Amr bil Maroof wa Nahi Anil Munkar. The declaration was endorsed by a broad spectrum of scholars, including Tahir Ashrafi, Mufti Abdul Rahim, Pir Naqeeb-ur-Rehman, Allama Arif Wahidi, Mufti Yousaf, and numerous others, representing diverse schools of thought within Islam. The scholars highlighted the country’s ideological and security challenges, stressing the need for Paigham-e-Pakistan as a unifying national narrative beyond sectarian divisions. They affirmed that the document, endorsed by Ulema from various Islamic traditions – including Deobandi, Barelvi, Ahl-e-Hadith, and Shia – categorically rejects violence and rebellion in the name of religion. The Fatwa issued under the Paigham-e-Pakistan initiative explicitly condemned armed violence in the name of religion as both unconstitutional and forbidden under Islamic law. The scholars reinforced that the authority to declare Jihad or call for armed struggle lies solely with the state and that any attempt to do so independently constitutes rebellion against the nation. In closing, the religious leaders reiterated Islam’s emphasis on the sanctity of human life, underscoring that no individual or group has religious justification to resort to violence against the state. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026