JIHAD CULTURE IN PAKISTAN AS A SOURCE OF CONFLICT

BY AFSHEEN HASAN

Introduction
Jihad is a test of each Muslims obedience to God and willingness to implement his commands on earth. However, this idea has now been taken in a different manner.
Discussion
In 1980s, the military ruler of Pakistan, President Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq encouraged the Islamist groups in the name of Islamization. He promoted the madrasas as way garner the religious parties supported for his rule and to recruit people for anti Soviet war in Afghanistan.
Mujahideen’s role was as the conduit for the rapid transit of US arms to Afghanistan and professional back up of ISI. Pakistan hoped to get rewarded by USA but it had to face infusion of the drug and Kalashnikov culture with in its own domain. This was the initiation of sort of professional multinational Jihadism largely sponsored by foreign origin.
The concept of Jihad re-energized and transformed traditional Islamic parties Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, Sipha-Saheba etc. All these organization believe on Jihad but with sectarian outlook. Pakistan has been facing many sectarian problems because every mosque is labeled sect-wise and only Namazi’s of that sect may say their prayers in it.
The Western fear of the Muslim world
Western countries are afraid of Muslim world and they try to disintegrate them by different methods. Jihad is a force which can easily gather Muslims at one place. We can take the example of Afghanistan where thousands of Muslims from different parts of the world gathered in the name of Jihad and fought against the enemy. From time to time Jihad forces along with Muslim masses expressed their sentiments and solidarity with their co-religionist in Palestine, Bosnia, Chechnya etc.
If we look at the strategy of powerful states specially America, first they generate and support Jihadi groups and when once they achieve their interest they declare them “Terrorist” as happened in case of ‘Osama Bin Ladin.
Conclusion
Presently, the radical religious forces focus on the violent methods and try to resolve the conflict by narrow interpretation of Quran. However ,it should not happened and done.
Islam neither allows killing of innocent people or suicide bombing. Therefore , the Muslims must show tolerance and forgiveness in their behaviors. unity among the Muslims is the only weapon they can utilize against the enemy. However, rifts within the Muslims will proof the most harmful to the Muslims cause than any other.

PREPARED BY AFSHEEN HASAN
CLASS OF CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND
CRISIS MANAGEMENT
M.A(PREVIOUS) 2003

All content (C) Department of International Relations, Karachi University

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