Waris Mazhari, a leading Indian Muslim scholar, says both Quran and Hadith condemn extremism and aggression in the name of religion.

Mazhari, an Assistant Professor of Islamic Studies at Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, made comments at the third webinar of the 38th International Islamic Unity Conference scheduled to be held on September 14-21.

Condemning others as kafirs is termed in the terminology of the shariah as takfir, he said.

Misuse of takfir is a root cause of internal strife and intolerance within Muslim communities, he pointed out.

In some places, it has resulted in much bloodshed, in which thousands of innocent Muslims have died, Mazhari stated.

“The issue of takfir has become a deadly weapon for so-called religious people to wield against their alleged opponents, even simply to take revenge for real or alleged personal slights.”

The gross misuse of takfir has become a significant threat in many Muslim societies, he said, adding that the phenomenon has caused substantial loss of life.

The professor called on Islamic scholars and intellectuals to unite in combating the multifaceted threat.
Despite the Islamic teachings, rift among Muslims is still seen, he underlined.

Mazhari went on to say that Muslims should adopt an approach based on affection and goodwill.

He lauded the Islamic Republic that has helped foster unity among Islamic Ummah through holding the conference.