Joint prayers

IN a country which has witnessed monstrous bouts of sectarian violence, even symbolic gestures by clerics belonging to different schools of thought can send a strong message. In this regard, joint prayers offered at a Karachi madressah recently by ulema representing Pakistan’s four major sects and sub-sects — Barelvi, Deobandi, Shia and Ahle Hadith — were meant to be a display of unity. The Pakistan Ulema Council chief, Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi, who was present, said the exercise demonstrated “growing tolerance among society”, particularly amongst clerics. Such displays of communal harmony are welcome. When influential preachers put up a united front, sectarian differences in society can be reduced.

But much more needs to be done before the scourge of sectarian violence is banished from Pakistani society. It should be noted that such efforts to promote ‘ittihad bainul muslimeen’ (unity amongst Muslims) have been continuing particularly since the 1990s, when the nation was in the midst of a bloody wave of sectarian violence. At that time, efforts were made from the platform of the Milli Yakjehti Council to promote intra-Muslim unity. Years later, hundreds of clerics from different denominations signed the Paigham-i-Pakistan fatwa in 2018, which also included denunciation of sectarianism. But despite these noble efforts, communal mischief-mongers have continued to spread division in society. Deadly sectarian groups remain active till this day, though they may be maintaining a low profile. Therefore, it is incumbent upon the ulema to take forward the message of unity to the neighbourhood and village level. Doctrinal differences have existed within different schools of thought for centuries. Yet these theological matters are best left to scholars to discuss. The average citizen should be free to practise their faith, while respecting the freedom of other groups that follow different interpretations. If violent groups are shut down by the state, and ulema promote the narrative of ‘live and let live’, the goal of communal peace can be achieved.

Published in Dawn, July 22nd, 2026

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