The
first mosque catering for both Pakistan's Sunni Muslims and Shiite
Muslims is under construction in Pakistan's capital Islamabad to promote
communication between religious sects and solve sectarian conflicts
within the country.
Zahid Iqbal, founder of the mosque, says that it is the first one in Pakistan catering to different Muslim sects.
The mosque, which is located at the foot of a mountain in the northwest Islamabad, has not yet been completed. However, it has already attracted many local residents to worship.
"I have had such a thought since I was young. Our society should have a mosque like this one that all Muslims can worship here in their different ways. Even non-Muslims can come here to learn about Islam," said Iqbal.
However, the construction of a mosque like this is a difficult thing in Pakistan, as Shiite and Sunni Muslims have separate mosques with very clear boundaries in the country.
According to the regulations of the Capital Development Authority of Islamabad, any mosque before its construction should make an explicit registration with the government specifying whether it serves Shiite or Sunni Muslims.
The regulation lowers the security risks to a certain extent, but builds an invisible wall between different Muslim sects.
"According to regulations, when you register your mosque with the government department, you must declare its denomination. Thus, we encountered some troubles. We had to register a as foundation first, and then contrast the mosque based on it," said Iqbal.
In order to promote communication and exchanges between different religious sects, Iqbal established a reading room in the mosque, which is open to the public for free.
Iqbal hoped that, through reading and learning, different religious sects can strengthen communication and eliminate the misunderstandings and prejudices between them.
However, misunderstandings and stereotypes have long existed.
Since the opening of the mosque, many people have protested as they believe it does not conform to traditions and also violates Muslim doctrine.
Therefore, Iqbal has even asked the police for help to keep the mosque safe.
Despite difficulties, Iqbal said that he did not want to give up and hoped the mosque can play a vital role in solving the sectarian conflicts within the country.
According to the blueprint, the mosque can accommodate nearly 2000 people after its completion.
However, in view of the longstanding religious conflicts in Pakistan, some experts said that things may go contrary to Iqbal's wishes.
"A mosque without any boundaries related to religious sects or particular groups of people is extremely necessary. It's an amazing idea and a good practice. But I suggest that we have to be cautious in the practice, because when different groups of gather together, it may have the wrong effect," said Khursheed Nadeem, a professor from International Islamic University.
Zahid Iqbal, founder of the mosque, says that it is the first one in Pakistan catering to different Muslim sects.
The mosque, which is located at the foot of a mountain in the northwest Islamabad, has not yet been completed. However, it has already attracted many local residents to worship.
"I have had such a thought since I was young. Our society should have a mosque like this one that all Muslims can worship here in their different ways. Even non-Muslims can come here to learn about Islam," said Iqbal.
However, the construction of a mosque like this is a difficult thing in Pakistan, as Shiite and Sunni Muslims have separate mosques with very clear boundaries in the country.
According to the regulations of the Capital Development Authority of Islamabad, any mosque before its construction should make an explicit registration with the government specifying whether it serves Shiite or Sunni Muslims.
The regulation lowers the security risks to a certain extent, but builds an invisible wall between different Muslim sects.
"According to regulations, when you register your mosque with the government department, you must declare its denomination. Thus, we encountered some troubles. We had to register a as foundation first, and then contrast the mosque based on it," said Iqbal.
In order to promote communication and exchanges between different religious sects, Iqbal established a reading room in the mosque, which is open to the public for free.
Iqbal hoped that, through reading and learning, different religious sects can strengthen communication and eliminate the misunderstandings and prejudices between them.
However, misunderstandings and stereotypes have long existed.
Since the opening of the mosque, many people have protested as they believe it does not conform to traditions and also violates Muslim doctrine.
Therefore, Iqbal has even asked the police for help to keep the mosque safe.
Despite difficulties, Iqbal said that he did not want to give up and hoped the mosque can play a vital role in solving the sectarian conflicts within the country.
According to the blueprint, the mosque can accommodate nearly 2000 people after its completion.
However, in view of the longstanding religious conflicts in Pakistan, some experts said that things may go contrary to Iqbal's wishes.
"A mosque without any boundaries related to religious sects or particular groups of people is extremely necessary. It's an amazing idea and a good practice. But I suggest that we have to be cautious in the practice, because when different groups of gather together, it may have the wrong effect," said Khursheed Nadeem, a professor from International Islamic University.
0 comments:
Post a Comment