Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) Emir Maulana Fazlur Rehman has said that ever since politics passed from the hands of religious scholars to politicians, bloodshed and unrest have persisted.

He lamented that the religio-political party faced backlash because it refused to encourage division and conflict among the people.

Addressing a gathering in Multan, the cleric-politician said that ever since the reins of politics have been handed over to the non-religious leadership, chaos and division have followed.

“From the 19th century to the middle of the 20th century, when the leadership of Muslims in the subcontinent was in the hands of religious scholars, there was not a single instance of conflict arising from sectarian issues like the Deobandi-Barelvi- differences,” he recalled.

“There was no unrest, no internal fighting. Under their leadership there was complete peace and unity in the Muslim Ummah,” he said.

Contrasting it with the current political landscape, he stated, “Ever since politics fell into the hands of politicians after the scholars, bloodshed and unrest have plagued us. This politics has spawned hatred, discord and conflict.”

“We are criticized for not pitting people against each other. We have never given up our identity as Sunnis, Hanafis or Deobandis, but we engage in public to promote unity and humanity.”

“However, others have turned these identities into mere trademarks,” he said, lamenting how some religious groups have now resorted to insulting other sects and stirring up the scene and then calling it a big favour. “It is not the way of our elders.”