Targeting Scholars: A War Against Knowledge and Faith

This Ramadan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa witnessed a series of scholar assassinations. Religious figures like Maulana Abdul Hameed Rehmaty, Mufti Munir Shakir, and Maulana Yar Muhammad Mehsud were killed in targeted attacks, while in Quetta, Mufti Abdul Baqi Noorani was shot dead as he left the airport.

In the late 1990s, a private television channel in Pakistan, NTM, aired a short Ramadan program featuring Dr. Ghulam Murtaza Malik. His simple yet profound explanations of the Quran left a lasting impression on many, including me. It was the first time I had seen a scholar articulate Quranic interpretations in soft, accessible Urdu, making complex teachings understandable to the common man.

Dr. Ghulam Murtaza Malik was my first teacher in Islamic knowledge. I learned much from him. But on May 7, 2002, he was assassinated in Lahore when gunmen opened fire on his car. His death was a great loss to the nation. Tragically, this became a pattern. Over the years, many religious scholars, particularly in Karachi, fell victim to similar attacks.

This Ramadan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa witnessed a series of scholar assassinations. Religious figures like Maulana Abdul Hameed Rehmaty, Mufti Munir Shakir, and Maulana Yar Muhammad Mehsud were killed in targeted attacks, while in Quetta, Mufti Abdul Baqi Noorani was shot dead as he left the airport.

Also Read: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Begins Data Collection of Afghan Students in Educational Institutions

While suicide bombings, targeted killings, and explosions have long plagued Pakistan—especially Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan—the alarming trend is the increasing focus on scholars dedicated to spreading Quranic teachings and unity. Some were targeted for endorsing girls’ education, while others for discouraging sectarianism and promoting religious harmony.

Initially, our educational institutions and places of worship were targeted. Now, our religious scholars are in the crosshairs. The objective of these enemies is crystal clear: not just to sow chaos and eliminate our future generations but also to attempt—albeit in vain—to extinguish the light of Islam.

The Ideological War Against Religious Scholars

The assassination of religious figures is not just an act of violence—it is part of an ideological war waged by those who seek to suppress the voice of truth. These attacks instill fear in mosques and seminaries, disrupting the spread of Islamic teachings. For the general public, such killings create insecurity and uncertainty. The weakening of religious institutions is a dangerous sign for society.

The murder of scholars is not just a personal loss; it is a societal, religious, and moral crisis. Religious leaders do not merely impart knowledge; they guide people toward righteousness. When their lives are threatened, people lose access to authentic religious instruction, leading to widespread misinformation and the rise of misguided ideologies.

These incidents create an atmosphere of fear, discouraging people from speaking the truth. They fuel sectarianism, extremism, and social unrest. When religious leaders are targeted, it ignites feelings of vengeance in certain communities, potentially leading to instability and conflict—precisely what the enemies of Pakistan desire. History has shown that foreign spies have infiltrated mosques under the guise of imams, spreading discord for years before being caught.

The Prophetic Warning and the Consequences of Losing Scholars

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) foretold this reality:

"Allah will take away knowledge by removing scholars. He will not take away knowledge by pulling it out from people’s hearts, but by taking the lives of scholars until none remain. People will then appoint ignorant leaders, who will issue verdicts without knowledge, leading themselves and others astray."
(Sahih Bukhari 2665)

The absence of scholars paves the way for self-proclaimed religious experts—half-learned individuals who manipulate Quranic verses for personal gain. They distort religious teachings, spreading misinformation and creating division within the Muslim community. Instead of practicing Islam, people engage in debates and conflicts, falling prey to discord and falsehoods.

Protecting Scholars: A Collective Duty

The protection of religious scholars is not solely the responsibility of the government or security agencies—it is the collective duty of the Muslim ummah. If this issue is not addressed seriously, it will inflict irreparable damage on our faith, society, and national identity.

It is evident that those who orchestrate these attacks are not true Muslims. However, to counter their agenda, public awareness is crucial. People must recognize that safeguarding scholars is synonymous with protecting Islam. Educational curricula should emphasize respect and love for scholars to prevent people from falling for enemy propaganda. Efforts must be made to promote peace and unity.

If a scholar is at risk, security measures should be provided. All forms of media must be monitored to prevent the spread of hate speech against Islam and religious figures. Strict actions should be taken against those inciting hatred. Scholars, too, must adopt wisdom and gentleness in their sermons, ensuring that their teachings lead to positive reform rather than conflict.

The war against scholars is, in reality, a war against knowledge, faith, and unity. If we fail to protect them today, we risk losing not just religious guidance but the very essence of our Islamic identity.