Source: Global Christian News via Barnabas Fund, February 8, 2018
The Pakistan government has unveiled a historic fatwa (religious ruling) condemning Islamic extremism and vigilante “blasphemy” attacks, in a potentially positive development for the country’s minority Christian community.
By issuing the fatwa with the support of 1,829 religious leaders—who are signatories to the document officially released on January 16—the Pakistani government is addressing extremism from a religious perspective.
The fatwa declares that terrorist activity against the state, and in particular suicide bombings, are haram (forbidden under Islamic law). It also states: “We believe that spreading sectarian hatred, armed sectarian conflict and imposition of one’s religious ideologies by force are contrary to the Shariah/teachings of Islam,” adding that there is a “religious obligation” to confront “evil” extremist ideology.
It should be noted however that “extremism” in the context of the ruling is defined as views deemed to be outside the body of mainstream Islam—this differs from typical Western definitions, which define “extremism” in relation to issues such as democracy, human rights, and freedom of religion.
The document also says it is “unacceptable in Islam” that any group “takes [the] law into its own hands, [and] declares people infidels” —a statement which is understood to refer to the country’s controversial “blasphemy” laws. Instead, the fatwa asserts that “only the State has the right to implement punishments on citizens.”
» See also Ahmed’s Lawyer Beaten During Blasphemy Trial (Mission Network News). Wondering about China’s changing religious policies? Get some clues and links in Religious Regulations and the Cross (China Source).