Pakistan is playing a dangerous sectarian game. Anti-Shia extremism is gaining ground

I came across one recently tweet by a Pakistani journalist reporting on a disturbing meeting organized by Sipah-e-Sahaba, an anti-Shia extremist group, in Islamabad, near the headquarters of the Inter-Services Intelligence. While delivering a speech, the speaker promoted dangerous lies and hatred, labeling the Shiites as traitors, murderers and terrorists while openly calling for their expulsion from Islam.

Anti-Shia sentiment in Pakistani society runs deep and their history is filled with persecution systematic targeting of Shia communities, creating a disturbing legacy of intolerance against Shias. The irony, however, is hard to miss. Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who created the state of Pakistan with the vision of a united Muslim homeland, was himself born into a Khoja Shia Muslim family.

Deep divisions within Islam

This extremist view stems from two closely linked ideas: first, the idea of ​​ex-communication takfirallowing extremists to label other Muslims as ‘infidels’. This doctrine leaves no room for differing interpretations within Islam, and promotes an environment in which only a single, rigid interpretation is tolerated. Any view that deviates from their “correct” position would be called heresy or apostasy.

Then there is the belief that anyone considered heretics or unbelievers deserves punishment or even death (wajib-ul-qatl). Together, these ideas create a dangerous mix, fueling a society in which intolerance easily turns to violence, eroding diversity and social harmony. Forget the room for dissent, moderation or the existence of different belief systems; sects or groups forged with such absolutist ideas operate with an almost totalitarian zeal. For example, al-Qaeda has condemned ISIS, calling the caliphate illegitimate and labeling the group as “Khawarij”, a term for those who stray from Islam. Ironically, instead of being ideological allies, they impose these labels on each other, revealing deep divisions in their views on power and purity.

Mainstream Islamic thought has been completely different from these extremist interpretations that advocate violence. Based on the principle “There is no compulsion in religion” (Quran 2:256), which emphasizes that faith is a matter of individual choice and conscience, Islamic scholars have consistently promoted peaceful coexistence and tolerance within society. Today, the overwhelming majority of Islamic scholars and leaders around the world reject any call for violence against individuals based solely on their beliefs, including polytheism.

While this creates space for coexistence between people of different faiths, sects and ideologies, we also see conflict and intolerance towards other communities, and sometimes even an exodus of minorities. Thus, problematic interpretations of religious texts exist in society, and they end in disasters from time to time. The continued existence of these interpretations within the community calls for renewed commitment to a more inclusive, modern interpretation of Islam. The task ahead is not only to reaffirm tolerance within communities, but also to support reforms that strengthen Islam’s ability to build bridges.

Also read: Shia Muslims in Lucknow protest against sectarian violence in Pakistan

The Islamic world

While Shia hatred has always existed in a radical segment of Pakistani society, such speeches from a banned organization appear to be more than incidental. It suggests a strategic approach to exploiting these sectarian divisions, positioning Pakistan as the leader of the Muslim world in the eyes of its own people. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, has recently increased his visibility on global Muslim issues, actively tweeting and making statements to position himself as a leader and advocate for the Muslim Ummah, aiming to transcend sectarian divisions. This approach could put pressure on Pakistan’s long-held goal of being seen as a leader of Muslim interests. Some Pakistani leaders may even see Iran’s actions as a challenge to its influence in the Muslim world.

It can also serve as a convenient distraction from Pakistan’s internal problems in an attempt to forge unity along sectarian lines. It is possible that such tactics may work for the time being, but there is a risk of deteriorating one’s own social fabric, which will lead to long-term damage to one’s own nation. Once again Pakistan has chosen to play a dangerous game. It will be a pawn in the game it has created.

When I look at India, on the other hand, I can’t help but be grateful and somewhat relieved that India has chosen a different course, one that counters division in favor of something deeper. India is a place where Shia and Sunni Muslims pray side by side, and where Muslim and Jewish communities coexist and openly practice their faith. Although conflicts and tensions surface from time to time, they are the exception rather than the rule, and reflect India’s resilience as a diverse, multi-faith society. I feel happy and hopeful that this harmony will continue to grow and save us from the tragic sectarian divisions we see elsewhere.

Amana Begam Ansari is a columnist. She has a weekly YouTube show called ‘India This Week by Amana and Khalid’. She tweets @Amana_Ansari. Opinions are personal.

(Edited by Ratan Priya)