WEBDESK: Fazal ur Rehman, the leader of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI), has strongly condemned attacks on religious scholars, stating that such acts are not jihad but terrorism. During his visit to Darul Uloom Haqqania, he offered condolences for the assassination of Maulana Hamidul Haq and criticized extremist groups for targeting religious figures.
Maulana Hamidul Haq, the head of JUI-S and the son of the late Maulana Samiul Haq, was recently killed in a suicide attack at his seminary in Akora Khattak. His father was a key figure in both Pakistani and Afghan Taliban circles, with many Afghan Taliban members having studied at his seminary.
He also condemned attacks on mosques and madaris, mentioning a recent incident in Balochistan where a religious scholar was killed while offering prayers. He questioned how such violence against Muslims and scholars could be justified in the name of jihad, asserting that using weapons against Islam is an act of terrorism.
Fazal ur Rehman said the attack on Maulana Hamidul Haq was an attack on his home, his madrasa and his center of learning.
“I was on an Umrah when I received this tragic news. The shock I experienced cannot be put into words. Maulana Hamidul Haq was an innocent religious scholar; his only crime was his association with Darul Uloom Haqqania. The very walls of the Darul Uloom are in mourning.”
Fazal ur Rehman warned state officials against any operations targeting Darul Uloom Haqqania, stating that while JUI-F does not support armed politics, any action against the seminary would be met with a strong response. He expressed concerns over reports of possible government action against the institution.
He further said that extremist ideologies are temporary, while religious scholars and institutions will continue to stand strong. Maulana Fazal ur Rehman expressed deep sorrow over Maulana Hamidul Haq’s killing and condemned those behind the attack.
