Religious leaders bat for growth, harmony

Hyderabad: Community elders are becoming increasingly worried over the irresponsible statements of a few people that is creating a schism between people of different schools of Islamic thought. Statement given by a religious scholar during a meeting organised by the police department in connection with the Muharram bandobast left various sections of the community infuriated.

During the meeting, Moulana Nisar Husain Hyder Aga had said that if a person was held on the allegation of terrorism, all the investigators needed to do was to check his chest and if no marks were seen, can safely assume that he wouldn’t be a terrorist.

The statement, coming as it did at a time followers of different schools of thought are striving to shun differences and unitedly raise their voice, drew sharp reaction from all quarters.

Shia theologian Allama Aijaz Farrukh said Hazrat Hussain is not an Imam of any particular sect but an ideal for entire humanity.

“Every Muslim remembers the martyrdom of Imam Hussain in different ways. Hyderabad has a history of Muslims observe the Imam’s martyrdom together. The teachings of the Imam Hussain unite the people and advocate patience, even when things are not going your way. Orators should be more cautious when speaking on sensitive issues,” Allama Farrukh said.

Moulana Hussamuddin Sani Jafar Pasha head of Amarat-e-Millat-e-Islamia said that he was stunned that the police commissioner ignored such a statement. “If you check Nisar Hyder Aga, you will not find a single mark of self-flagellation. Does that mean he can be branded a terrorist? Hyder Agha’s comments were contrary to the purpose of the meeting --- to strengthen communal harmony,” he said

Congress leader Osman bin Mohammed Al-Hajiri said investigating agencies have their own ways and parameters to judge whether a person is involved in terror activities or not.

“If investigating agencies adopt the parameter explained by Hyder Aga, then not only all Sunnis, but 50 percent Shias will come under the scanner as many members of the Shia community do not believed in self-flagellation,” the Congress leader said.

He asked the police authorities to invite only those who do not create communal disharmony to such meetings.