Ghamidi disapproves Ehtaram-e-Ramzan Bill in audio message
Renowned religious cleric said that no law can force people to respect a law, legislation incorrect
LAHORE: (Web Desk) – Renowned religious cleric Javed Ahmed Ghamidi on Saturday disapproved of the Ehtaram-e-Ramzan Bill in an audio message, saying that law could not be used to coerce people into respecting something.
Responding to an email by a Karachi citizen, Ghamidi said that he always considered this bill as a wrong step. “In my opinion, the state should never legislate on such issues. It is a tradition set by rulers but it should never be a practice”, he said.
Sikander Khan had emailed Javed Ahmad Ghamidi to seek guidance on the issue. Text (translation) of the email was: “Salam, Sir. Please guide us about the Ehtaram-e-Ramazan Bill. Our country is already a victim of religious fanaticism. Will such a bill not prove harmful in this situation? Please advise the people and government in the light of Islam”.
Also read: Ehtaram-e-Ramzan Bill: Coercion and hypocrisy do not garner respect
Ghamidi said that there is no reason for legislation in this regard. It is people’s prerogative that they respect it, he said. “It is the traditions of a society that make people respect such things. I could never understand how you can make people respect something with the help of laws”, he said.
“Respect is born out of traditions and human nature. If people in a society do not respect something, the society needs moral training for sure but it doesn’t mean they should be forced to respect it through legislation”.
He said that he didn’t consider this law correct in its original form while the new version has distorted even the original one for the worse.
Ehtaram-e-Ramzan (Amendment) Bill was passed last month banning eating and smoking at public places during the month of Ramazan.
Listen to the sermon by Ghamidi on Ehtaram-e-Ramzan Bill here:
Story by Ali Warsi.
