Misusing a sacred term

Sir, - The avowal by Masood Azhar, Pakistani cleric freed by India, that he would recruit half a million men to fight against this country clearly shows that he does not know the real import of Islam and what `jehad' means. Whenever they had to lead their armies for a jehad, Prophet Mohammad and Hazrat Ali, the greatest and noblest men Islam gave to the world, strictly instructed their followers: ``Never begin a war yourself, God does not like bloodshed; fight only in defence. Never follow and kill those who run away from the battle. Never kill wounded persons. Never take to loot and arson''.

In its 50-year history Pakistan could not offer its people a fair democracy even for a decade. It is in a hopeless condition under the dictatorial rule of Generals. If Masood and his men devote all their energies to setting things right at home rather than their seeking to annex Kashmir, which has been an integral part of India, they will be true Muslims and real patriots.

R. Sreenivasulu,

Yemmiganur, (A.P.)

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