Sectarian Rivalry: The New Normal

It is no secret that Pakistan has always been host to sectarian rivalry or even violence based on sects. We have witnessed such traumatizing news time and time again. As Muhammad Ali Jinnah once mentioned in a speech, “You are free; you are free to go to your temples. You are free to go to your mosques or any other places of worship in this State of Pakistan. You may belong to any religion, caste or creed…” Sadly, Jinnah’s dream to build a secular state where individuals belonging to multiple religions and sects live together in harmony merely remained a dream.

In light of recent events, Karachi was once again victim to huge mobs of anti-Shia rallies. The residents took to the streets, some on feet, some in their vehicles to parade around town and chant derogatory or offensive remarks (“Shia Kafir”) towards the Shia people, claiming that individuals belonging to this particular sect are Non-Muslims or disbelievers.

Imambargahs, known as the Shia place of worship, was stoned by the protestors; the crowd was tremendous, including thousands of people rallying around town. If only, we would show the same enthusiasm and participation rate for issues that need attention.

Moreover, as if it could not get any more absurd- there have been high levels of discrimination being practiced across the entire country with random civilians being stopped and interrogated based on their names, the color of their clothes, or the area they live in. The arrival of Muharram and Ashura has always been a tough time for Shias all over Pakistan, while the government tries to put in as much effort as it can by jamming signals, blocking roads, and providing extra security, it still does not seem to curb sectarian rivalry entirely.

We have practically grown up seeing such tragedies, with suicide bombers, target killings, kidnappings, and blasphemy charges it is safe to say that if you belong to a minority here, you are accustomed to bias and discrimination.

This year, in particular, has been incredibly worse for Shia residents with their religious scholars being targeted specifically and arrested on the charges of blasphemy. Passengers being forced off of moving buses only to be executed by armed extremist militants. All of this is done and justified by such extremists as a peace offering to Allah, they believe that the execution or imprisonment of Shias is necessary since they are disbelievers are contaminating Islam which is why they deserved to be punished.

These sayings are nothing but baseless claims, with little to no proof it is only promoting hatred within the country. In all honesty, there are bigger things to be concerned about rather than constantly breathing down each other’s necks. What we, as Muslims, fail to register is that our religion stresses the most upon tolerance and acceptance. There is no one more forgiving than Allah, and He, in no way approves of sectarian rivalry, let alone violence.

The first thing Islam teaches us is to be tolerant of each other whether that it is a non-Muslim or a Muslim belonging to a different sect. Sectarian differences are just petty issues and the ridiculous belief that one sect is above the other. We were drawn from the same blood and born for the same purpose, violence, and hatred based on sect or religion is not going to get us anywhere. If such people truly believe in the “Islamic Republic of Pakistan”, what they may need to reconsider is the actual message of the religion.

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