After 1920, there was a consensus around the world that new states will be emerge on the basis of nationality and thus introduced the concept of nation state. Life, assets, ethnicity and religion of every nation will be safeguarded by constituting democratic institutions. A community of people, confined in a particular geography, having a common language, culture and historical background can be regarded as a nation.  Thus, Pakistani nationalism can be defined as protecting the rights of every person living inside the boundaries of the country irrespective of his religion and sect. Shia , sunni, Barelvi, Deobandi, Hindu, Sikh, Christian and  Muslims are all part of this nation. People of Pakistan deserve peace and harmony which must be independent of any religious, sectarian or ethnic biases.  In order to realize this dream, we as a nation need to work together.

It is the foremost duty of every government to prohibit the use of religion as a tool to spread hatred and confrontation among the masses. The month of Moharram has a historic perspective as it has been celebrated as a symbol of respect for humanity dignity and honor. Since the very first day of creation of this universe, Almighty declared all sorts of violence and bloodshed prohibited during this month irrespective of the color, race or religion of human beings. Every religion has similar months of respect and sacredness. Adversity among different sects, especially during the holy month of Moharram, which frequently results into bloodshed and violence, is not acceptable at any cost. It is the responsibility of the state to take action against such evil and disintegrating acts. Every person, irrespective of his religion and sect, has the right to exercise his religious teachings and rituals but this exercise must be confined within their worship places or at sites designated by the Government. But to hold these processions in a public place that may create discomfort and result into acts of terrorism is neither part of Islamic teaching nor is advisable as per the current national situation. Such acts tarnish the teachings of religion and ignore contemporary requirements of our society.

There is a dire need to establish and propagate the ultimate reality that religion is not the source of the animosity and violence in the society. Neither Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A) nor Hazrat Umer Farooq (R.A) induced a source of discord and division among Muslims. It is the imperialist policy of “Divide and Rule” which has been continued even after Independence to use the names of these noble personalities in order to create the confrontation, hatred and instability in the society. Anyone person or community, whether Shia or Sunni, who spreads violence or hatred among people, is not representing the true teaching of Hazrat Umer (R.A) or Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A). Such actions only serve the callous objectives of Global Imperialism and Local exploitative that want to create insecurity and violence in the society so that people cannot become independent and stand against them. It is our moral and religious duty to disapprove such people and their actions which create hatred and sectarianism that ultimately leads to bloodshed of innocent human beings. May god strengthen us in understanding the true system of Islam and give us the courage and knowledge to identify and stand against such teachings and actions that destroy peace and harmony humanity.

Translation: Mr.Faisal Islam, Karachi