CII urged to highlight important social issues

Islamabad : President Dr Arif Alvi on Tuesday urged the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) to play its role for the propagation of important social issues such as cleanliness, inheritance, malnutrition, family planning, environment, water conservation, and a Clean and Green Pakistan.

The President, in a message to the CII, directed it to realize the true potential of the ‘Minbar’ (pulpit in the mosque) to sensitize the public, as was done in the golden era of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

He underscored, “As Islam is a complete code of life, therefore, the Imam, who speaks to his community from the ''Minbar'' every Friday, needs to be guided that, along with advice on rituals and practice of Ibadah (prayers), his exhortations should also be for important social issues.”

The President emphasized that Taharat (cleanliness) was Sunnah and acting upon that Sunnah, they could prevent communicable diseases, which currently made up 41% of the total diseases in Pakistan.

In that regard, the Sunnah of Miswak and ablutions were exemplary, he added.

He pointed out that Islam had laid down clear laws of inheritance, so much so that Islam declared those who violated those laws as the perpetual residents of hell.

However, women were still deprived of inheritance on various pretences, including Hiba.

He underlined that laws alone were not enough; rather the ‘Minbar’ must be used to motivate people to abide by those laws.

The President highlighted the plight of young married women, who were subjected to successive pregnancies that resulted in malnutrition and stunting.

The latter being an irreversible medical condition, was cruel to subject children, he added.

He urged the CII to direct Imams to guide people of their communities about stunting, family planning and breast-feeding. The President stated that as Islam emphasized on the protection of environment, the ‘Minbar’ could be used to motivate people to play their role in realizing a Clean and Green Pakistan.

“In this regard, the Ahadith of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) should be our guiding principles,” he added.

The president also reminded the CII of its role under Article 230 (1)(a) of the Constitution, which placed upon the Council the responsibility to help the legislative institutions in enabling and encouraging the Muslims of Pakistan to lead their lives individually and collectively in line with the teachings of Holy Quran and Sunnah.