Prof. Qadri on Terrorist Attacks and the role of Pakistan: PTV

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Tahir ul Qadri, Founder of Minhaj ul Quran Movement and Chairman of Pakistan Awami Tehreek(PAT) is a leading Islamic Scholar and one of the most effective and influential political figures in Pakistan today.

On Tuesday 18th September Prof Qadri was the special guest at the discussion program held in PTV Studios (Islamabad) which was presented live to the nation.. The subject of discussion was Terrorism in America and the role of Pakistan.

Key points of Prof. Dr. Muhammad Tahir ul Qadri's discussion were:

Regarding the decision of Pakistani Government

1. The decision made by the Pakistani government is heading the country towards the right direction. It has proved to the global community that we are against terrorism and we are a peaceful and peace loving country. It has improved our image in their minds.

2. In these critical moments leaderships need time for thorough understanding of the requirements of the situation. This decision has given the government that time. By totally saying "no" we would not have any time left for further thinking and also our worst enemies India and Israel would have used it to make harsh propaganda against us before the world community that Pakistan is backing terrorism and declare it a terrorist state.

Regarding Islamic Point of View on terrorism and current situation

3. Prof. Qadri said that Islam is the most peaceful religion of the world. Terrorism is not allowed in Islam even during the War time. In war it is not allowed to destroy buildings, burn or destroy trees or crops so that the earth does not become deserted. It is totally against Islam for a Muslim to kill non-combatants, women minors, servants, the blind, monks, elderly, those physically incapable of fighting and the insane or delirious. Even when a prisoner of war is to be killed he should not be killed while he is tied because in this way he can do anything in his defence.

What benefits Israel and India would have made or are trying to make from the situation?

4. India and Israel were from the very begining trying to turn the direction of events towards Pakistan to isolate it in the world. And they just did not want to isolate it, they wanted Pakistan to be declared a terrosist state and this was still not the end. They were thinking far beyond it. Their eyes were on our nuclear capability, national integrity and sovereignty. So if pakistan had totally declined international demands both its bitter enemies would have been free to go to any extent against us.It is the view amongst Muslims that Israel could be behind the terrorist attacks in America

Regarding Osama bin Laden

5.Prof. Qadri said that the investigation against Osma bin Laden is in the preliminary stage and it is not conclusive. He is just a suspect. There is the procedure in any court of law that it follows and without that no punishment is given to the suspect. Prof. Qadri said that here the greatness of character counts to a great extent. "I appeal to Osama bin Laden and Talban that to save this region from great destruction and for the greatest interest of the Islamic Ummah, Osama bin Ladin should present himself to those who want him and say that I am ready to face the charges". He is a single person and a single person's interstests are not more important than a whole region. He should have greatness of character in this time.

He said a strong Pakistan is in favour of Afghanistan and a strong Afghanistan is in favour of Pakistan. Both are interdependent. The handover can also be done through OIC and in any third country the trial would be done (like Libya delivered their Lockerby suspects to a third country).

What is the message for the poeple of Pakistan?

6. Just killing people is not Jihad and is against the spirit of Islam. So the people must understand that terrorism and Jihad are two different things. There are leaders in Pakistan who are igniting peoples' emotions in this moment. Just becoming emotional is very easy but keeping emotions in control and making decisons with wisdom and consciousness is the real test in the lives of nations in the critical moments like this one.

Jazakhallah Khairan

The Revival 2001