Declaring a Muslim as disbeliever is un-Islamic: Pakistani religious body

In a statement published on Wednesday, the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) Pakistan stressed, “It is an un-Islamic and condemnable act to brand any Muslim sect apostate and deserving of death.”
 
The Council also called for a ban on religious hate speech and greater harmony between sects ahead of Muharram, adding recommendations to curb hate speech and published material.

 “Terrorism and violence in the country in the name of religion are a violation of Islamic teachings. All schools of thought announce their disassociation from such acts,” it noted in its “Code of Conduct”, which it wants Parliament to adopt.

The recommendations come as the country prepares for Muharram, beginning on October 24 or 25.

The month is frequently marred by sectarian violence, which has risen markedly in recent years.

Sectarian tension led to at least 11 deaths in the city of Rawalpindi, close to the capital Islamabad, last Muharram in November 2013.

Hundreds of the Muslims have been killed in sectarian-related violence in Pakistan over the past years.

The official religious body also called for greater protection for non-Muslims – about make three per cent of the population. 

“It is the government’s responsibility to provide protection to their worship places and holy figures according to the law,” read the statement.

Pakistani law already forbids religious hate speech but its implementation is close to non-existent.