Islamic Scholars Play an Indispensable Role in Curbing Crime and Preserving Social Stability
Mufti Mizanur Rahman Sayeed, President of the National Ulema Mashayekh Aimmah Parishad, has remarked that the role of Islamic scholars (Ulema) is undeniable in controlling crime and maintaining social stability. He stated that blaming Ulema en masse based on one or two incidents is politically motivated. At the same time, he urged Madrasas and the Ulema to remain extremely vigilant regarding their activities. He made these remarks on Sunday, October 25, during an event at the BMA Auditorium in Dhaka, where the 101-member full central committee of the National Ulema Mashayekh Aimmah Parishad was announced.
Mufti Mizanur Rahman Sayeed said that the propensity for crime is much lower among individuals who have studied in Madrasas, are associated with Madrasas, or are connected with the Ulema. Between January and September over the last nine months, 151,596 cases have been registered in the country, he claimed, noting that the number of individuals involved from the Ulema and Madrasa communities is negligible. He stated that an analysis based on specific data reveals the significant role played by the Ulema in controlling crime and preserving social stability in society. It is unjustified to blame the Ulema collectively over a couple of isolated incidents, he added.
Cautioning the Ulema, the Parishad president said, ‘Stains are’more noticeable on white fabric. Therefore, Madrasas and the Ulema must exercise utmost caution.’ No action should be taken that raises questions in people’s minds regarding the dignity of the Ulema, he stressed, while calling for closer ties with the local populace. The preliminary committee of the National Ulema Mashayekh Aimmah Parishad was announced on October 8 through a National Ulema Summit. During that event, Mufti Mizanur Rahman Sayeed and Mufti Rezaul Karim Abrar were named as president and general secretary, respectively. On Sunday, President Mufti Mizanur Rahman Sayeed announced the full committee.
In the newly formed 101-member committee, Dr A.F.M. Khalid Hossain has become the Senior Vice-President, and Mufti Shamsuddoha Ashrafee has been named the Senior Joint General Secretary. Mawlana Shahjahan Al Habibi has taken the role of Organizing Secretary. In addition to divisional organising secretaries, the committee includes secretaries and members for various portfolios such as training, publicity, office, finance, Dawah, Shariah, Fatwa, education, research, employment, information technology, and media.
