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“Jihad Is Not Valid During Imam’s Occultation: Shia Ulema Issue Strong Clarification”
Hyderabad, Dec 06 (PMI): Reports have emerged that certain clerics are allegedly attempting to mentally condition Shia youth to be “prepared for jihad,” triggering concern within the community. The Shia community in India has historically been known as peace-loving, patriotic, and non-extremist.
Shia Ithna Ashari scholars of India have reiterated that, according to Shia religious belief, jihad in the form of armed struggle is not applicable during the period of occultation of the Twelfth Imam. Therefore, Indian Shia intellectuals stress that imposing the ideologies of clerics from other countries on Indian Shias is inappropriate and against the principles of Shiism.
It is alleged that a religious preacher, while delivering an emotional speech to youth, made a controversial statement: “This community has been sacrificing its heads for 14 centuries; now it is time to behead.” This statement has caused serious alarm among conscious members of the community.
Unverified reports also suggest that funds received through hawala from foreign sources are allegedly aiding the spread of such ideologies. These funds are said to have financially strengthened some previously impoverished clerics, and efforts are allegedly being made to promote foreign jihadi concepts in Hyderabad. Sources claim such activities are limited to about five percent of certain circles to keep foreign donors satisfied.
While some money is reportedly distributed among the poor with publicity, there is allegedly no documentation for funds given to criminal elements. It is further alleged that poor individuals demanding their rightful share are intimidated or silenced.
Intellectuals have pointed out that Indian law grants substantial freedom to minorities, but this freedom should not be misused. They also noted that Shias in India enjoy more religious freedom than in many so-called Shia countries. They have demanded a thorough investigation into foreign funding and jihad-related activities and emphasized that in the present era, true jihad is against one’s own self, not with swords, guns, or bombs.(pressmediaofindia.com)
