Ulama Must Lead Social Transformation
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has urged the country’s ulama, or Islamic scholars, to play a more active role in guiding society through critical times. Speaking as the chief guest at a national ulama conference at IDEB Bhaban in Kakrail on Saturday, he said scholars should go beyond leading prayers and delivering sermons and become agents of positive social change. The conference, themed “Building Tomorrow’s Bangladesh Through Unity, Not Division,” was organised under the leadership of committee secretary Dr Khalilur Rahman Madani and chaired by central ulama division president and assistant secretary general Maulana Abdul Halim.
Dr Rahman urged scholars to remain committed to the example of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the Sahabah to prevent intellectual confusion. He said the Quran and Sunnah must remain the foundation of Islamic scholarship. Citing the general amnesty declared after the conquest of Makkah, he said Islam emphasises forgiveness over punishment. According to him, social discipline in early Islamic society rested on accountability in the Hereafter and taqwa, or God-consciousness, rather than fear of legal penalties.
Dr Rahman also stressed greater academic engagement amid concerns over human dignity, security and women’s safety. Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar urged scholars to counter misconceptions about Islamic principles and work together to build a progressive Bangladesh.
