Islamabad, Sept 24, IRNA Pakistani religious scholars have issued an edict, declaring killing of innocent minorities as un-Islamic.
The scholars called upon the government that elements involved in the killing of members of Christian community should not be invited to peace dialogue, adding that they deserved exemplary punishment for this heinous and inhumane act.
Mufti Taqi Usmani, Dr Abdul Razzaq, Maulana Samiullah and Maulana Mufti Rafi Usmani of Deobandi sect issued a decree which said that such acts were against the teachings of Islam and Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
They said such incidents were part of a campaign against Islam and Pakistan. We believe that the attack on the church was a conspiracy against Islam and Pakistan.
The ulema said that the Holy Quran and Sunnah laid emphasis on the protection of life and property of minorities.
They also condemned drone attacks killing innocent Pakistani citizens.
Some 30 senior clerics of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) issued a separate decree, declaring that Islam did not allow killing of innocent non-Muslims, the groups spokesman, Nawaz Kharal told the media.
They said the attack was not only an un-Islamic and criminal act but a major sin. Islam does not allow attacks on innocent minorities and makes it mandatory to protect their lives and property.
The decree said it was the basic duty of the government to provide security and protection to the minorities. Islam teaches that places of worship of non-Muslims should not be demolished or damaged, it said.
The clerics said those who attacked Christians in Peshawar had mutilated the face of Islam. In Islam murder of an innocent human being is the murder of the entire humanity, it said.
The ulema urged the government to take effective steps to safeguard minorities and bring the perpetrators of the Peshawar church to justice.