Intellectual Terrorism More Dangerous Than Physical Terrorism: Tahir Ashrafi

Madinah:Chairman of the Pakistan Ulema Council Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi has said that intellectual terrorism is more dangerous than physical terrorism, stressing the need to counter forces that mislead young people in the name of Islam and jihad.

Addressing an international conference held at the Islamic University of Madinah, Ashrafi said Islam is a religion of peace and respect for human dignity, and the killing of innocent people has no connection with Islamic teachings.

He said scholars, religious leaders, universities, seminaries, religious organizations and governments would have to take urgent measures to prevent the spread of extremist ideologies.

Ashrafi said forces that mislead Muslim youth in the name of Islam and jihad must be confronted without fear or compromise. He added that those who have misled young Muslims under the banner of Islam and jihad have caused irreparable damage to the Muslim world.

“We have been in a state of conflict for 45 years, and around 100,000 Pakistanis have fallen victim to terrorism,” he said, emphasizing the need to block all forces that misguide young people in the name of religion, Islam and jihad.

He said Islam promotes peace, moderation, justice and respect for human life, adding that terrorism, extremism and the killing of innocent people have no connection with Islamic teachings.

The Pakistan Ulema Council chairman said intellectual deviation could not be countered through security measures alone, but also required education, knowledge and dialogue.

Commenting on the situation in Yemen, Ashrafi criticized the Houthi group, saying that the killing of innocent people in Yemen is condemnable just as the killing of Palestinians is unacceptable. He questioned the group’s actions, saying that while the Houthis invoke Islam and the Palestinian cause, they target Saudi aircraft while allowing Israeli aircraft to pass.

Ashrafi said such conduct has no connection with Islam, Islamic ethics or genuine support for the Palestinian people.

He stressed that the sanctity, security and peace of Makkah and Madinah are of paramount importance to the entire Muslim Ummah. He said Muslim scholars, muftis and religious leaders have a clear and unanimous position that any attack on the two holy mosques or the territory of the Two Holy Mosques is unacceptable to the entire Muslim community.

He added that the governments of Saudi Arabia and Yemen have the right to take necessary measures to protect their people, territories, peace and security.

Ashrafi expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia in safeguarding the peace, stability and security of the Holy Land and praised the kingdom’s efforts to counter extremist ideologies, extremism and terrorism.

The conference was also addressed by the Imam of the Holy Kaaba, scholars and muftis from various Islamic countries, and prominent Islamic figures.