"Double Standard of Religious Extememists" Who Will Decide? Special Report

"On the day of 12th Rabi' al-Awwal, the way Muslims celebrated the event in the name of Milad-un-Nabi ( ?) reminded me of a poem by Maulana Altaf Hussain Hali. In that poem, he advised Muslims to reform themselves before issuing judgments and accusations of blasphemy against others.

Before discussing this subject, I want to present an incident as evidence to reveal the mindset, logic, and true motives of so-called extremist religious figures.

It was early 2004 when I joined the media department of a religious party, where I learned many things. In my first week, the editorial in-charge gave me an assignment to meet with veterinary experts in Lahore and verify the claim that pig blood and bone-derived ingredients were being included in the feed of broiler chickens.

I asked in a questioning tone whether this was their claim or just a suspicion. I was told that it was not just a claim but a fact, and my job was to prove that indeed pig blood and bone ingredients were part of broiler chicken feed. I was also told that if I wanted to keep my job, it was my responsibility to present facts according to the given Terms of Reference (ToRs) for this assignment.

As we were discussing this, the in-charge of the editorial page also claimed that Coca-Cola is an Israeli product and drinking it is not only forbidden (haram) but also sinful.

The next morning, I set out to meet with various veterinary experts in Lahore to verify these claims. My first stop was at the Veterinary Research Institute Lahore. When I entered the institute, I was asked the purpose of my visit. I introduced myself as a journalist and explained that I was there for research purposes. During this time, I met some people and asked initial questions subtly. I was introduced to an expert doctor at the institute. I explained the reason for my visit and presented some questions, such as:

Does the broiler chicken feed get prepared in Pakistan, or is it imported from the U.S., Israel, or the U.K.?

Does the feed contain pig blood and bones?

As I was asking these questions, the senior officer placed a bottle of Coca-Cola in front of me and said, 'Son, have some water, and then we'll talk.' I refused to drink the Coca-Cola, saying that it was purely an Israeli product, and I would not drink it.

Seeing my argumentative attitude, the senior officer said, 'Son, what's wrong with you? Don’t the hundreds of scholars, scientists, and religious leaders of the Muslim world know about these things? Do millions of Muslims consume broiler chicken and Coca-Cola out of ignorance? Are they not Muslims who use these products?'

The senior officer then said, 'Son, it’s a hot day, and I feel you desperately need some cold water. We are happy with your visit, offered you Coca-Cola, and you issued a religious ruling (fatwa) and refused to drink it.'

He asked, 'What evidence do you have that pig blood and bones are mixed in broiler chicken feed? What proof do you have that the people manufacturing Coca-Cola in Lahore are Jews? That they are Israelis? Or that they import pre-packaged drinks from Israel?'

'Son, it pains me that a well-educated young journalist like you has been led down the wrong path by a conservative religious zealot. Are these the issues our religious leaders deem worthy of debate?'

'Son, they mislead people like you and me and put weapons of extremism, hatred, and ignorance in our hands, using us to achieve their malicious objectives against followers of other religions.'        

These words from the senior officer deeply troubled me. I saw him as an enemy of Islam, an agent of the U.S., Israel, and an irreligious person.

I stayed there for a while, and the experts present told me that there was no pig blood or bones in broiler chicken feed and that the feed was locally produced in factories. However, their words had no impact on me"

"Finally, I took leave and returned to my office. It was evening, and I walked straight into the room of the editorial page in-charge, the same person who had assigned me the task of bringing ‘atomic’ material regarding broiler chicken meat. On his table were two large roasted pieces of broiler chicken, seemingly over a kilogram. Alongside, there was a jumbo bottle of Coca-Cola on the table.

He was sipping from the jumbo bottle and biting into the large pieces of roasted chicken as if a ferocious lion were sinking its teeth into a whole deer’s neck, tearing it apart with great force.

'So, did you gather any information or did you just come back empty-handed?' he asked arrogantly.

'I have brought some important information,' I replied.

'Fine then, publish a report in the morning according to the Terms of Reference I gave you. Prove that indeed pig blood and bones are mixed into the feed of broiler chickens, and present the facts showing that Coca-Cola is an Israeli product and that introducing this drink in Pakistan is part of an American conspiracy.'

'Sir, you’re eating roasted broiler chicken yourself and also drinking jumbo Coca-Cola!' I asked humbly.

'Are you arguing? Who do you think you are? I want to see this report published in the morning, no excuses.'

My boss continued to devour the roasted broiler chicken like a hungry lion pouncing repeatedly. On one side, I was troubled by my boss's arrogant attitude, while on the other side, the words of the veterinary institute experts kept echoing in my ears:

My heart was also testifying that the veterinary officer had spoken the truth?

'Son, they mislead people like you and me and put weapons of extremism, hatred, and ignorance in our hands, using us to achieve their malicious objectives against followers of other religions.'        

I was extremely hungry, and my boss's behavior left me deeply saddened. In a state of despair, I left his office and went into another room where my colleagues were eating food with lentils. I sat down with them, ate lentils, thanked Allah, and performed the Maghrib and Isha prayers. Then, I prepared the report according to the experts’ opinions and the desires of the religious authoritarian figures, addressing the concerns regarding broiler chicken and Coca-Cola. When I presented the report to the editorial in-charge before publication the next morning, I was warned: 'You have done what I told you not to do. Do you think America and Israel are innocent?' This warning became a source of trouble for me later.

This was not just one incident; I have witnessed dozens of such incidents.

In April 2021, several cities in Pakistan saw violent protests by the religious group (TLP). These protesters demanded that the government expel the French ambassador and enforce a complete boycott of France over the controversial publication of cartoons.

Before I proceed, I want to make it clear that!

Remember, all prophets are chosen messengers of Allah. It is obligatory for everyone to respect Prophet Muhammad ( ?), Prophet Moses (???? ?????? ???????), Prophet Jesus (???? ?????? ???????), Prophet David (???? ?????? ???????), and all prophets. Respect for all divine scriptures and places of worship from all revealed religions is mandatory. No prophet should be insulted.

Muslims, Christians, and Jews are all descendants of the same patriarch, Honrable Prophet Abraham (???? ?????? ???????). Followers of these religions should not insult one another’s faith. The Quran must not be desecrated, nor should the Torah, Psalms, or Bible. There should be no disrespect toward Prophet Muhammad ( ?) or any other prophet. Anyone who disrespects the messengers of Allah, the scriptures, or sacred places must face severe punishment. If Muslims, Christians, and Jews collectively decide that no one should be allowed to insult the religions, prophets, or places of worship, I can confidently say that the ongoing conflicts in the world will come to an end.

Now, coming back to my point: Religious dictators intentionally incite their followers against other religions in the name of Islam to serve their own interests.

I was talking about the violent protests in April 2021 in Lahore, Pakistan, against the offensive cartoons published in France. On stage, the leaders of a religious group were demanding that the Pakistani government expel the French ambassador, while widespread vandalism continued throughout the country.

Whoever was guilty of blasphemy should have been punished, due to non-punishment Pakistan religious extremists took full advantage of this opportunity.        

A senior leader of a major religious party was inciting this protest movement, urging people to distance themselves from and despise France, America, Europe, and other Western countries. Meanwhile, during this time, I found out that the leader’s own son had obtained a higher education degree from France. I called and congratulated them. I was told that their son had graduated with good marks."

"I can prove that thousands of religious leaders incite Pakistanis to secure their livelihoods, while their own children are studying in the United States, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and other countries, and thousands of them are also working there. A question arises for them: If Islam is under threat in the West, America, Europe, and other non-Muslim countries, then why are they and their children, as well as their future generations, living there as citizens?        

Every month, millions of young people, elders, students, men, women, and others are seen in long queues at airports, leaving Pakistan. When asked why they are leaving an Islamic country and moving to non-Muslim countries, they offer grand justifications, stating that Europe, the West, and other non-Muslim countries provide justice, excellent job opportunities, peace, security, quality education, and a safe life. They also argue that there is no hindrance to living according to Islamic teachings there. In contrast, in Pakistan, there is no concept of justice, corruption is rampant, unemployment is widespread, there is a lack of law and order, feudalism, and ignorance prevail, and humanity is nonexistent.        

These concerns and statements are one hundred percent valid. A recurring question, however, is: If the West is so corrupt and anti-Islam, then why do people still turn towards these countries? This is not the case.

Yes, there have been incidents of disrespect towards Islam in these countries, but efforts have been made to prevent their recurrence. However, is disrespect limited only to non-Islamic countries? I have repeatedly made it clear that wherever it happens, it should be condemned. The question is, do Muslims living in Islamic countries not disrespect Islam themselves? Disrespect of Islam in non-Muslim countries should be condemned and held accountable, but if Muslims themselves commit acts of disrespect, is this not also an insult to Islam? Should they not be charged as well?        

I want to make it clear at this point that those whom the global community considers terrorists and extremists are not necessarily the same individuals involved in religious extremism in Pakistan. The West needs to reach the truth. They do not see themselves as enemies of America, the West, or Europe. Their objection is that the global community should resolve international issues according to the UN's resolutions.

Also note that Christians are being forced into Hinduism in India, sexual abuse of young Christian girls to 80-year-old women is happening in India, churches are being burned, Christians are being massacred.
Are Muslims doing this too?        

'Hindutva': The Radical Hindu Ideology That Seeks to 'Push Christianity Out of India'

Hindu Mobs Destroy 300 Churches as Indian Govt Fueling 'Serious Religious Persecution'

Let me also reveal here that those whom the United States considers terrorists, respecting India's wishes, are not terrorists. These are the same peaceful Muslims who are loved by Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, and other minorities in Pakistan. This love is not born out of fear but because of their sacrifices and services for humanity. These servants of God have always helped people in difficult times, regardless of their color, religion, race, region, or sect.

They serve humanity during floods, earthquakes, tragedies, accidents, and natural disasters. They do not use religion as a shield. Just a few months ago, during the Jaranwala incident, people from this very school of thought saved the lives of Christians, invited them to pray in their mosques, and for several days, these Muslims fed the elderly, children, women, and other helpless Christian families. Even the BBC praised their service.        

They see Christians and Jews as followers of a divine religion and deeply respect them from the bottom of their hearts.         

So how can they be considered terrorists? Will they be labeled as terrorists simply for supporting the right to self-determination of Kashmiris?        

What I want to convey is that when non-Muslims commit acts of blasphemy against the Quran, the Prophet, or Islam, there is a severe reaction, as there should be. However, when Muslims themselves commit acts of blasphemy against the Quran, the Prophet, Islam, or sacred places, should they be given free rein? What kind of double standard is this, where Muslims can do whatever they please without being questioned, but if a non-Muslim makes a mistake, they issue fatwas declaring them worthy of death, jeopardizing world peace?

In the early 19th century, a renowned Muslim poet from India harshly criticized this double standard among Muslims:        

This poem critiques religious hypocrisy and the blending of beliefs that contradict monotheism. It argues that while actions like idol worship or revering celestial bodies are condemned as "kufr" (disbelief), some Muslims themselves engage in practices that undermine pure Islamic monotheism, such as elevating prophets, imams, or martyrs beyond their religious stature.        

If a non-believer worships an idol, they are declared a disbeliever,

If they consider God's son, they are called a disbeliever,

If they make fire their Qibla, they are labeled a disbeliever,

If they believe in the power of stars, they are also disbelievers.

But for the believers, all paths are open wide,

They can worship whoever they desire with pride,

They can even portray the Prophet as God,

They can elevate the status of Imams above the Prophet,

Offerings can be made at shrines day and night,

And prayers can be sought from the martyrs' might.

Neither will this harm the belief in monotheism,

Nor will Islam or faith face any schism.

The religion that spread monotheism throughout the world,

Where truth became manifest on earth and in the heavens,

Where polytheism and doubts ceased to exist,

Was changed upon arriving in Hindustan.

Islam, once proud of its legacy,

Has lost even that wealth, finally, by the Muslims."

The poem criticizes how practices that contradict Islamic principles have become normalized, leading to the erosion of true faith in some communities.        

'The Quran commands us not to revile those who invoke others besides Allah, lest they revile Allah out of enmity without knowledge. Thus, we have made pleasing to every community their deeds. Then to their Lord is their return, and He will inform them about what they used to do.'        

Muslims are especially commanded to maintain a respectful tone. Jews, Christians, and Muslims, following their Lord's command, should take care not to disrespect each other's religion, prophets, or sacred places. Their Lord is one, their books were revealed by Allah, and their prophets, including David, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad (? them all), share the same lineage through their forefather Prophet Abraham( ???? ?????? ???????). Criticism of any one prophet is an insult to Prophet Abraham( ???? ?????? ???????). No person, regardless of their background, would tolerate or allow disrespect towards their ancestors.        

Now, let's look at the other side of the picture. The same allegations of blasphemy against Christians are being carried out by Muslims themselves. Muslims commit blasphemy against the Quran, the Prophet, the sanctity of Mecca and Medina, the companions of the Prophet, and the Hadith, and for them, this is all acceptable.

In Lahore's Ichhra Bazaar, if a woman wears clothing adorned with Arabic script, Muslims accuse her of blasphemy against the Quran and are ready to kill her.

Returning to my main point: Globally, Islam's reputation is being tarnished by these so-called Muslims who, to strengthen their grip on religious sects and followers, engage in such heinous acts that, due to their deceit, Islam's reputation suffers worldwide.

In reality, these are the same religious extremists I mentioned at the beginning of this article. Instead of deriving directly from the Quran and Sunnah, they act according to the wishes of their imams, muftis, and spiritual leaders, causing governments to pick up the pieces and societies to bear the brunt. Extremism is born from this behavior, which eventually takes the form of terrorism.

A few years ago, in November 2014, a mob in the Kot Radha Kishan area of Kasur district, Punjab, burned alive a Christian couple, Shama and Shahzad Masih, who worked at a brick kiln, over allegations of blasphemy against the Quran. As a journalist, I investigated the entire incident and found that the blasphemy incident did not occur.

Similarly, in Lahore's Joseph Colony, some miscreants repeatedly burned down the homes of Christians, and churches were attacked, but the reality was different. Here, too, an extremist cleric distorted the facts, and soon homes were burned to ashes.

The Jaranwala incident unfolded in the same way: private matters were linked to Christianity, and blasphemy, fatwas were issued, leading to the burning of churches and Christian homes. Men, women, children, and the elderly all became targets of extremist attacks. However, in Jaranwala, a Muslim religious group gave Christians refuge in their mosques, offered them a place to worship, protected them, and fed them for several days.

As I mentioned at the start, Muslims who take direct guidance from the Quran and Sunnah may differ with others on worldly matters, but they are not extremists, nor are they terrorists. The Muslims who risked their lives to protect Christians in Jaranwala belonged to this same school of thought. The religious extremists, fanatics, and terrorists who attacked Christian homes, churches, and the Christian community, however, are the same religious extremists who do not derive directly from the Quran and Sunnah.

The point of mentioning all this is to emphasize that not every Muslim can be an extremist, fanatic, or terrorist. This is a mindset, an ideology, and it must be addressed.

These points are meant to educate, not to incite. I am sharing them to promote reform within the global community."

Now, I am not siding with Christians here. It is possible, and it has happened, that Christians adopted disrespectful behavior towards the Quran or the Prophet of God, for which they were punished by the courts. However, the punishment for their crimes cannot be imposed on every Christian, especially those who had nothing to do with these incidents.

Fake KABA in India

"In the same way, fake Kaabas have been constructed in several Muslim countries, and so-called Muslims perform Tawaf (circumambulation), yet they are not considered disrespectful."        

"Muslims are committing blasphemy against the Prophet, the Quran, sacred sites, the companions, and the symbols of Islam. Yet, Christians and Jews are labeled as blasphemers and deserving of death. Why this double standard?"        

Now let’s look at the other side of the picture. The same accusations made against Christians are being acted upon by Muslims themselves. If Muslims disrespect the Quran, disrespect the Prophet, disrespect the divine, disrespect Mecca and Medina, disrespect the companions of the Prophet, or disrespect Hadith, then all of this seems permissible to them.

"Scenes of circumambulation at the grave of Pir Muhammad Hassan in the nearby area of Khanpur Qazian, Tehsil Shujabad, Multan. The followers are reciting Takbeers (praises of God) just like those performing Hajj or Umrah while circumambulating the Kaaba. Yet, they are not considered disrespectful."

In Lahore’s Ichhra Bazaar, if a woman wears clothing adorned with words in the Arabic script, Mob Accuses Woman of Blasphemy, Woman Apologizes, Asserts Innocence she is accused of blaspheming the Quran, and Muslims are ready to kill her.

Mob Accuses Woman of Blasphemy, Woman Apologizes, Asserts Innocence

Just a few days ago, on the 12th of Rabi-ul-Awwal, Muslims engaged in acts that have no connection with Islam. They disrespected the Quran, but were not labeled as blasphemers. They disrespected the Prophet of God, yet they were not called blasphemers of the Prophet. On the birthday of the Prophet of Mercy ( ?), music and dancing were celebrated, dishonoring the Prophet’s persona, yet these people were still called Muslims?

"In the Achhra Bazaar, when a woman wore clothing with Arabic script, she was labeled a blasphemer and declared deserving of death. However, on the 12th of Rabi' al-Awwal, so-called Muslims sit on sheets adorned with Quranic verses, violating sanctity and honor, yet they are still considered Muslims and not blasphemers."

They elevated their religious leaders so much that there was no doubt left in their being polytheists, yet they were still considered Muslims and were not accused of blaspheming their Lord’s attributes. They disrespected the holy places, but these Muslims were not considered blasphemers.

The sects within Islam present the words of their spiritual leaders as equal to or higher than the Quran and Hadith, yet they are not considered blasphemers.

So who is the blasphemer? Will the extremist clerics decide this? Will governments continue to remain silent in the face of these extremists' decisions? Are Muslims exempt from accusations of blasphemy, allowing them to disrespect whoever and whatever they want whenever they please?

Has the UN , OIC and other Governments become powerless against these extremist religious dictators? When it comes to making firm decisions on this issue, the United Nations, OIC should take appropriate measures against religious extremism.

The United Nations should also understand that Islam is not an extremist religion, and the Quran is not an extremist book. In fact, the Lord of the worlds, the Lord of humanity, the Lord of Jews, Christians, and Muslims, instructed His final Prophet with a command and established a law that there should be no compulsion in matters of faith.

These are few examples and proofs, there are millions of such cases? If such an incident happened to a Christian or a Jew, then the Christians and Jews would be killed?But since Muslims are doing it themselves, no one is going to ask them        

The Quran clearly sets forth the principle: “There is no compulsion in religion” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:256). This is a command from the Lord of all humanity, meant to promote peace and coexistence for all. Should they not be held accountable? In the Quran, Allah laid down a principle in Surah Al-Baqarah and commanded:        

??? ????????? ??? ???????? ? ??? ?????????? ????????? ???? ???????? ? ????? ???????? ?????????????? ?????????? ????????? ?????? ??????????? ????????????? ??????????? ??? ????????? ????? ? ????????? ??????? ???????? ??????: ??? "

There is no compulsion in religion. Guidance has become distinct from misguidance. So whoever disbelieves in Taghut and believes in Allah has certainly grasped the most trustworthy handhold, which will never break. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing.        

" In Surah Yunus, Allah once again rejected coercion and extremism, saying:

?????? ????? ??????? ?????????? ??? ??? ????????? ????????? ???????? ? ????????? ???????? ???????? ??????? ?????????? ???????????? ????: ?? "

And if your Lord had willed, all those on the earth would have believed together. So will you then compel the people so they may become believers?        

" In Surah Al-Ghashiyah, Allah set the principles of religion, stating:

????????? ???????? ????? ??????????? ??????? ????????? ????????????? ???????: ??? ?? "

So remind, [O Muhammad]; you are only a reminder. You are not over them a controller.        

" In Surah Ya-Sin, He said:

????? ????????? ?????? ??????????? ??????????? ?????: ?? "

And there is nothing for us except the message.          

" In Surah Al-An'am, Allah prohibited causing harm to non-Muslims and emphasized refraining from coercion in religious matters:

????? ?????????? ????????? ????????? ??? ????? ??????? ???????????? ??????? ???????? ???????? ??????? ? ????????? ????????? ??????? ??????? ?????????? ????? ?????? ???????? ????????????? ?????????????? ????? ???????? ???????????? ???????: ??? "

And do not insult those they invoke other than Allah, lest they insult Allah in enmity without knowledge. Thus We have made pleasing to every community their deeds. Then to their Lord is their return, and He will inform them about what they used to do.        

" In Surah Al-Ankabut, Allah commanded regarding the People of the Book:

????? ?????????????? ?????? ??????????? ?????? ????????? ???? ???????? ?????? ????????? ????????? ???????? ? ??????????? ????????? ?????????? ??????? ????????? ????????? ?????????? ????????????? ?????????????? ???????? ???????? ????? ???????????? ????????: ?? "

And do not argue with the People of the Scripture except in a way that is best, except for those who commit injustice among them, and say, 'We believe in that which has been revealed to us and revealed to you. Our God and your God is one; and we are Muslims [in submission] to Him.'"         

After all these divine instructions, the followers of Divine Religions should have no doubt about their Lord’s commands, as He"Allah" is the Lord of Christians, Jews, and Muslims alike. The purpose of this discussion is to emphasize that global institutions must take important decisions concerning these religious extremists who are responsible for extremism, fanaticism, and terrorism—not against the peaceful religion of Islam.

The United Nations, OIC and other international instiutuions should also act responsibly and guide its own and other global institutions to handle policy statements against extremism, fanaticism, and terrorism in Divine Religions with caution. The benefit of this will be that global institutions and governments will face no obstacles in taking steps against real extremists, fanatics, and terrorists.

The Islamic world will have no objections, and it will become easier to suppress those who use religion as a card to spread hatred, extremism, and terrorism among Christians, Jews, and Muslims.

This will help build barriers against the seeds of hatred being sown against Muslims, Christians, and Jews in places like India, China, and other regions. Lastly, I appeal to the extremist, fanatic religious dictators in Pakistan? India and wherever in the world to stop using religion for their own personal benefits, privileges, superstitions, and rituals.

If Christians, Jews, or Hindus commit blasphemy against the Quran and Sunnah, or against the Prophet of Mercy (?), they should be severely punished. But if Muslims themselves commit these blasphemies, should they not be held accountable as well?        

Muslims need to reform themselves rather than relying on issuing fatwas against followers of other religions. Such actions do not serve Islam nor deliver its true message. Through preaching, research, and intellectual discussions, win each other’s hearts, not through accusations of disbelief.