In a disconcerting development, the Darul Ifta at Jamia Uloom Islamia Banauri town has issued a fatwa against voting for Hindu candidate in the upcoming general elections, citing an inability to fulfill Islamic law requirements. The fatwa specifically addresses the candidacy of Hari Ram Kishori Lal in Mirpurkhas, Sindh, and advises Muslims not to vote for a Hindu candidate. Notably, Hari Ram Kishori Lal is a PPP candidate for the Provincial Assembly from PS-45 (Mirpurkhas-I).
This raises profound concerns as it challenges the democratic rights of individuals in a country with a Muslim majority. Such religious edicts not only undermine the principles of democracy but also reveal the deep-seated bigotry within radical clerics in Pakistan. What is particularly striking is the selective application of these fatwas, as these so-called religious experts conveniently remain silent on the matter of accepting votes from non-Muslims.
It is ironic that while these clerics advocate for political participation by individuals from religious minorities, they deny reciprocity by discouraging Muslim voters from supporting minority candidates. This hypocritical stance exposes the underlying bias and raises questions about the true essence of inclusivity and democratic values within certain segments of Pakistan’s religious leadership.
This discriminatory mindset is not only a disservice to the principles of equality and freedom but also perpetuates a cycle of religious intolerance that hampers the harmonious coexistence of diverse communities.