ISLAMABAD: Allama Raghib Hussain Naimi, Chairman of the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII), has strongly condemned the act of declaring a person liable to death as both “unIslamic” and “unlawful.” In a recent statement, Naimi emphasized that such emotional actions undermine the purpose of Khatm-e-Nabuwat (Seal of Prophets) and warned that no individual or group has the right to issue a fatwa or enact a death sentence on their own authority.
Naimi reiterated that Pakistan, being a constitutional and Islamic state, has established legal systems with permanent punishments for all crimes, which are administered through the courts according to prescribed procedures. The CII’s statement stressed that incitement, issuing a fatwa of takfir (declaring someone no longer Muslim) and threatening to kill are against the clear teachings of the Quran and Sunnah.
The Council highlighted the responsibility of scholars and muftis to provide religious guidance based on Shariah and emphasized that only the state, government, or courts have the jurisdiction to adjudicate matters of faith and blasphemy. Naimi also mentioned that disagreements with the Supreme Court’s decisions should be addressed in a scholarly manner, rather than through arbitrary interpretations and violent fatwas.
This statement follows recent incitements by Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) Vice Emir Pir Zaheerul Hasan Shah, who threatened Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa and is now in police custody. Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar echoed Naimi’s sentiments, condemning the culture of issuing fatwas and creating states within the state.
Tarar emphasized that no one has the right to issue death fatwas related to court decisions and assured that the state would take stringent actions against those who take the law into their own hands. He also stressed the importance of including content in the education curriculum to promote tolerance in society and curb extremist tendencies.
Tarar underscored the principles and integrity of Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa and made it clear that no transgressions under the guise of human rights or freedom of opinion would be tolerated. The government remains firm in its stance against unlawful fatwas and incitement of violence, pledging to uphold the rule of law and ensure the safety and security of all citizens.
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