A cycle of violence and vengeance that our society cannot afford anymore

What has been Islam’s purpose? What teachings have our beloved Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) brought to us?

Some common questions that we need to ask from ourselves all over again. The answer of the former is “Islam’s purpose is to show people light”. The later gives answer about what the last messenger of Allah brought for humanity. Yes! Without a sheer amount of difficulty we can answer that, HE (صلى الله عليه وسلم) brought humanity. The actions and statements of the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) of Islam point to strong humanitarian considerations. It wouldn’t be a tiring task for us to recall the incidents that the last messenger underwent from the lady who used to throw garbage on Him (صلى الله عليه وسلم) to what was the treatment he faced in Taif and the reaction of him was something that a normal human could never imagine if he would be in that condition, He (صلى الله عليه وسلم) forgave them, made prayers for them and took care of them.

Islam that started from a cave where a man used to go for meditation to seek peace, patience and a divine connection with a divine source proclaimed a course of conduction for the humanity. Every covenant of Islam is about peace and not violence in fact it is about to avoid violence. You seek what you represent, if you will showcase violence you will seek unwavering backlash, no one will be attracted towards the religion which is manhandled by extremists. The love of Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) is in every Muslim’s heart even though if a non-Muslim would start reading about him his conscious will unleash a positive energy and he will also not resist to praise his majesty and contributions to humanity.

I accept that I have limited knowledge of Islam and I seek apology if I go wrong or hurt anyone’s sentiments. After several days of rioting of TLP after its leader Saad Rizwi was arrested has taken the country’s peace away. There is no bone of contention exists between loving Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) and protecting the ideology of Islam and condemning the blasphemous act done by Macron. But there is no point to put state on stake. The protest has resulted into loss of precious lives of the fellow citizens either the workers of TLP or Law enforcement personals both are not acceptable. This is almost power vs religious forces. The enactment prior to the repulsion of French ambassador is entirely a state’s problem.

The question arises that why the Government is not able to control the TLP challenge? First of all it is an open secret that the TLP was nourished by the state for its vested interests. If today it has spiraled out of control, the blame lies with those who helped it grow into the threat it is today. But a blanket ban on the party is a futile attempt to solve a complex problem, and is an acknowledgement that the government does not want to take the difficult decisions needed to address the challenge thrown up by the TLP. The ban will not dilute the narrative that fuels the party, it may even fan it. The government would be advised to take a more nuanced approach and desist from actions that are unlikely to produce the intended results. What happened in Lahore with TLP workers will create an unparalleled resentment.

Governance is not about swinging between extreme positions of either absolute patronage or unbridled assault. We come out of one crises just to enter another one. The state seems to have learnt nothing from Lal Masjid operation and its repercussions. Using force against common men who have nothing to lose may achieve a temporary calm before an impending storm. If we want citizens to believe in constitution and rule of law then we have to respect every citizen’s constitutional right. I cannot and will never support use of violent force by police against any unarmed citizen regardless of his religious or political identity. At the end the month of Ramadan is a month of patience, blessings and repentance and observing bloodshed in this month has outpaced the meaning of this month. If anyone is reading this who thinks that protesting and giving life on the name of violence is acceptable then it is a request that see your families you are leaving behind. Ramadan Kareem. Peace out Pakistan.

AUTHOR: HIRA ARSHAD