Allama Raghib Hussain Naimi, the chairman of the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII), has strongly condemned extrajudicial killings, declaring them both “unIslamic” and “unlawful.”
In a recent statement, Naimi emphasized that emotional actions such as these undermine the purpose of the Khatm-e-Nabuwat (Seal of Prophets). “No individual or group is allowed to kill anyone based on their own court of law or by issuing a fatwa independently,” he said.
The chairman’s office highlighted that Pakistan, as a “constitutional and Islamic state,” has a legal system with established punishments for all crimes, which are administered by the courts following due process.
The CII has repeatedly underscored that incitement to violence, issuing a fatwa of takfir (declaring someone as no longer being a Muslim), and threats to kill are against the clear teachings of the holy Quran and Sunnah.
The statement further noted that scholars and muftis across Pakistan are responsible for providing religious knowledge and distinguishing between right and wrong views. It is within their jurisdiction, under Shariah, to determine if someone has committed blasphemy, but it is ultimately up to the state, government, or courts to enforce the law.
Naimi also addressed disagreements with recent Supreme Court decisions, urging that they be discussed in a scholarly manner rather than through arbitrary interpretations and extrajudicial actions.
The statement follows the arrest of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) Vice Emir Pir Zaheerul Hasan Shah, who incited violence against Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa. Shah is currently in police custody.
Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar condemned the culture of issuing extrajudicial fatwas and inciting violence. He stated that no one has the right to issue a fatwa related to court decisions and that the state will not tolerate such actions.
“The state will not allow anyone to speak or act arbitrarily, and those who take the law into their own hands will be dealt with severely,” said Tarar. He also advocated for incorporating content into the education curriculum to combat societal intolerance.
Tarar praised Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa as a person of integrity and principles, asserting that no transgression is permissible under the guise of human rights or freedom of opinion.
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