Yo I recently came across a tweet by a Pakistani journalist detailing a disturbing meeting organized by Sipah-e-Sahaba, an anti-Shia extremist group, in Islamabad, near the Inter-Services Intelligence headquarters. While delivering a speech, the speaker spread dangerous lies and hatred, labeling Shiites as traitors, murderers and terrorists, while openly calling for their expulsion from Islam.

Anti-Shia sentiment in Pakistani society runs deep and its history is filled with persecution and systematic targeting of Shiite communities, creating a worrying legacy of intolerance towards Shiites. However, the irony is hard to miss. Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who created the State of Pakistan with the vision of a unified Muslim homeland, was born into a Khoja Shia Muslim family.

Deep divisions in Islam

This extremist perspective comes from two closely related ideas: first, the notion of excommunication or takfirwhich allows extremists to label other Muslims as “disbelievers.” This doctrine leaves no room for different interpretations within Islam, fostering an environment where only a single, rigid interpretation is tolerated. Any point of view that deviates from their “correct” stance would be called heresy or apostasy.

Then there is also the belief that anyone considered heretical or unfaithful deserves punishment or even death (wajib-ul-qatl). Together, these ideas create a dangerous mix that fuels a society where intolerance easily turns into violence, eroding diversity and social harmony. Forget about room for dissent, moderation, or the existence of different belief systems, sects, or groups forged with ideas so absolutist that they operate with near-totalitarian fervor. For example, Al-Qaeda has condemned ISIS, calling its caliphate illegitimate and labeling the group “Khawarij”, term for those who deviate from Islam. Ironically, instead of presenting themselves as ideological allies, they apply these labels to each other, revealing deep divisions in their visions of power and purity.

Mainstream Islamic thought has been totally different from these extremist interpretations that advocate violence. Based on the principle “There is no coercion in religion” (Quran 2:256), which emphasizes that faith is a matter of individual choice and conscience, Islamic scholars have consistently promoted peaceful coexistence and tolerance within the society. Today, the overwhelming majority of Islamic scholars and leaders around the world reject any calls for violence against people based solely on their beliefs, including polytheism.

While this creates space for coexistence between people of different religions, sects and ideologies, we also see conflicts and intolerance towards other communities and sometimes even exoduses of minorities. Thus, problematic interpretations of religious texts exist in society and from time to time they turn into disasters. The persistence of these interpretations within the community demands a renewed commitment to a more inclusive and modern interpretation of Islam. The task ahead is not only to reaffirm tolerance within communities but also to support reforms that strengthen Islam’s ability to build bridges.

Also read: Shia Muslims in Lucknow protest against sectarian violence in Pakistan

The Muslim world

While Shia hatred in a radical segment of Pakistani society has always existed, such speeches by banned organizations appear to be more than incidental. It suggests a strategic approach to harnessing these sectarian divisions, positioning Pakistan as the leader of the Muslim world in the eyes of its own people. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has recently increased his visibility on global Muslim issues, actively tweeting and making statements to position himself as a leader and defender of the Muslim Ummah, aiming to transcend sectarian divisions. This approach could put pressure on Pakistan’s long-standing goal of being seen as a leader of Muslim interests. Some Pakistani leaders might even see Iran’s actions as a challenge to their influence in the Muslim world.

It can also serve as a convenient distraction from Pakistan’s internal problems, attempting to forge unity along sectarian lines. That tactic may work for the moment, but it risks worsening its own social fabric and causing long-term damage to its own nation. Once again, Pakistan has chosen to play a dangerous game. He will become a pawn in the game he himself has created.

On the contrary, when I look at India, I can’t help but feel grateful and a little relieved that it has chosen a different course, one that rejects division in favor of something deeper. India is a place where Shia and Sunni Muslims pray together, and where Muslim and Jewish communities coexist by openly practicing their faith. While conflicts and tensions arise from time to time, they are the exception rather than the rule, reflecting India’s resilience as a diverse and multi-religious society. I feel fortunate and am hopeful that this harmony will continue to grow, sparing us the tragic sectarian divisions seen elsewhere.

Amana Begam Ansari is a columnist. He hosts a weekly show on YouTube called “India This Week by Amana and Khalid.” She tweets @Amana_Ansari. Opinions are personal.

(Edited by Ratan Priya)