Muslim scholars and religious leaders in Pakistan on Thursday criticised Pope Benedict’s remarks against Islam, and urged him to play a positive role in bringing Islam and Christianity closer. “It is very unfortunate that a religious leader of his stature is issuing statements that can fan religious disharmony,” said Khurshid Ahmed, head of the Institute of Policy Studies in Islamabad. Pope Benedict XVI hit out at Islam and the concept of jihad in a speech in Germany on Tuesday, citing a 14th century Christian emperor who said that Prophet Mohammed (“Instead of bringing Islam and Christianity closer, he is straining relations between the two religions. Such views can be exploited by people trying to malign Islam,” he added.
JUI leader Hafiz Hussain Ahmed said, “The pope is a respected personality for Christians, and Muslims as well. He should not lower his stature by giving Bush-like statements.” “The pope’s statement is highly irresponsible,” said Islamic scholar Javed Ahmed Ghamdi. “The concept of jihad is not to spread Islam with sword,” Ghamdi said in a statement.
Police in Kashmir seized newspapers on Thursday carrying the pope’s remarks, fearing a Muslim backlash in the area. The pope’s spokesperson said the pope respected Islam, but rejected violence motivated by religion. “It was not his intention to do an in-depth study of jihad, or hurt Muslim,” said Father Federico Lombardi in a statement.