LAHORE, Jan 5 : Prominent Ulema and Government appointed Khatibs in Lahore Wednesday refused to lead the funeral prayers of assassinated Punjab Governor Salman Taseer to avoid strong reaction from religious circles.
It was announced on Tuesday night that Khatib of Badshahi Masjid Abdul Kabir Azad would lead the Namaz-e-Janaza of the Governor. However he issued a statement late in the night that he was not in Lahore alongwith his family members and would be unable to lead the prayers. Sources said he left Lahore immediately after the assassination of the Governor to avoid leading the prayers.
Others who declined to lead the prayers were Khatib of Data Darbar Mosque Qari Ramzan Sialvi, Jamia Hanfia’s Khateeb Qari Arif Sialvi and Governor House Khateeb Qari Ismail.
Sources said that because of the former Governor’s statement describing Blasphemy law as a black law and for his support to blasphemer Christian women, there was a strong resentment among Ulema of different schools of thought who are united on the platform of Tahafiz-e-Namoos-e-Rasalat.
Despite all attempts, no known religious leader was ready to lead the Namaz-e-Janaza of the Governor.
The prayers were finally led by PPP Ulema Wing’s General Secretary Allama Afzal Chishti.
It was announced on Tuesday night that Khatib of Badshahi Masjid Abdul Kabir Azad would lead the Namaz-e-Janaza of the Governor. However he issued a statement late in the night that he was not in Lahore alongwith his family members and would be unable to lead the prayers. Sources said he left Lahore immediately after the assassination of the Governor to avoid leading the prayers.
Others who declined to lead the prayers were Khatib of Data Darbar Mosque Qari Ramzan Sialvi, Jamia Hanfia’s Khateeb Qari Arif Sialvi and Governor House Khateeb Qari Ismail.
Sources said that because of the former Governor’s statement describing Blasphemy law as a black law and for his support to blasphemer Christian women, there was a strong resentment among Ulema of different schools of thought who are united on the platform of Tahafiz-e-Namoos-e-Rasalat.
Despite all attempts, no known religious leader was ready to lead the Namaz-e-Janaza of the Governor.
The prayers were finally led by PPP Ulema Wing’s General Secretary Allama Afzal Chishti.
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