Dargah-Mazar committee urges unity against extremism, restraint in online religious debates

The Bangladesh Dargah-Mazar National Coordination Committee today (3 July) called on Islamic scholars and Muslims across the country to remain united against what it described as attempts to promote extremism, while urging people to refrain from engaging in online debates over the companions of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

The call came at a meeting held at the organisation's central office in Dhaka, chaired by Chairman Shah Mohammad Tauhidul Quader Chowdhury and moderated by Secretary General Shah Mohammad Zakir Hossain Chobhani, according to a press release.

The committee said it had consistently spoken out against what it described as extremist activities carried out under the banner of the Kalima flag and had issued a statement in national newspapers on 30 June to raise public awareness and draw the administration's attention to the issue.

It welcomed what it described as the timely intervention of the Islamic Foundation, saying the government agency had taken effective steps to address the matter.

The organisation also thanked the Prime Minister, Religious Affairs Minister and the newly appointed Director General of Islamic Foundation for the timely, courageous and groundbreaking steps taken by Islamic Foundation Bangladesh to protect the honor of the holy Kalema flag and stop the deep anti-Islamic conspiracy.

According to the committee, the Islamic Foundation's directive asking khatibs to deliver awareness messages before Friday prayers at mosques across the country was a significant step towards countering misinformation and preventing the misuse of religious symbols.

Addressing the meeting, Zakir Hossain Chobhani urged Muslims to avoid arguments on social media over the status of the Ahl al-Bayt and the companions of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), saying such debates could create unnecessary divisions.

He said Muslims should maintain respect for both the Ahl al-Bayt and the companions of the Prophet and refrain from making controversial or derogatory remarks about figures over whom there are historical differences of opinion.

The committee also called for unity among Muslims regardless of doctrinal or sectarian affiliation, including Sunni, Deobandi and Qawmi traditions, on issues concerning Islam and Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

It further alleged that international efforts were promoting values it considers contrary to Islamic teachings, including homosexuality, and urged Islamic scholars, spiritual leaders and Muslims to remain vigilant.