The Beast of Sectarianism

Photo: K.M. Chaudary/Associated Press

The recent bombing and suicide attack in Lahore and incident of firing in Karachi, on a religious procession is yet another grim reminder of the bloody reign of terror and genocide in Pakistan. Pakistan is facing the monster of terrorism in multiple forms. At present the horrendous acts of terrorism are destroying Pakistan. Pakistan is suffering from many diseases. There exists Islamic militancy, sectarian terrorism, ethno-nationalistic violent divisions and threat to create state within the state. Except, ethnic and nationalistic violence, all diseases are caused by Pakistan’s role in the Afghan ‘Jihad’ which has had a profoundly transformative impact on Pakistan’s politics, society and religion.

Perhaps the most significant domestic consequence of Pakistan’s policies in Afghanistan is the dramatic rise in sectarian violence in the last three decades. This dimension of the growth of radical Islam has been as threatening to Pakistan’s internal cohesion and survival as developments in Afghanistan and the Indian threat. While sectarianism is not a new phenomenon in Pakistan, Zia’s policies and his alliance with particular interpretations of Islam started a phenomenal growth in sectarian organizations in Pakistan, be they Barelvi, Ahmadi or Shia. Deobandi and Ahle Hadith organizations also mushroomed after the institution of the compulsory collection of Zakat and the beginning of the Afghan Jihad. Jihadis as well as Jihad oriented madrassas (religious institutions) were strongly influenced by Wahabi school of thought that grew rapidly in strength in a very short period.

Moreover, Mujahideen returning from Afghanistan were becoming an economic and social challenge for the state domestically, and were fuelling the rise of sectarian violence against Barelvis and Shias within Pakistan, as well as feuding amongst themselves. While it had predominantly characterized the public face of Islam, the lawlessness of militant groups and the rise of an intolerant redefinition of Islam were leading to mounting tensions in our society. The fight against the Barelvis, Ahmadis and Shias was a fight to ‘purify’ Islam from ‘all bad influences’, much as the Taliban had done in Afghanistan. Sectarian violence, fuelled by readily available weapons from Jihad, mushroomed uncontrollably. However, it is pertinent to note that in the private, armed forces or non-political sphere, the Sunni-Shia divide is nearly absent (thank God). 

Along with the growth of anti-Shia militant organizations the reactionary pro-Shia and anti-Sunni militant outfits also exploded. It is a well known fact that most of the anti-Shia organizations had been and are being funded by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia whereas the anti-Sunni organizations have the patronage of Islamic Republic of Iran. United States and India (because of their shared interests) are also not far behind in supporting covertly such organizations in terms of weaponry, funds and logistics.

So, the government and civil society must consider the point that while taking reforms for eliminating societal and sectarian violence real principles of Islam should be presented which are based on peace, tolerance, brotherhood, rights of the weak, wisdom, temperance and elimination of fitna from the society. The Muslim Ummah and particularly Pakistani Muslims must stand united and not be divided into different sects. Difference of opinions must be tolerated and respected No one should be allowed to impose any distorted and extreme interpretation of Islam on anyone at gunpoint. We must say no to fitna which has many ugly shapes and one of them is sectarian violence.