Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has strongly condemned violence against religious scholars, stating that taking up arms against them is not jihad but terrorism.

“You are not warriors; you are murderers and criminals. Any weapon used against Islam is an act of terror,” he said, reacting to the assassination of Maulana Hamidul Haq.

During his visit to Darul Uloom Haqqania in Akora Khattak to offer condolences, Fazlur Rehman expressed deep grief, saying, “The pain of Maulana Samiul Haq’s martyrdom was still fresh, and now his son Maulana Hamid has been taken from us. The walls of Darul Uloom Haqqania are mourning. When I heard the news, I immediately pictured Maulana Hamid.”

Reiterating the inevitability of fate, he remarked, “Death’s time, place, and cause are predestined. But the loss is unbearable. I feel as if this attack was not just on Maulana Hamid but on my home, my madrassa, and my alma mater.”

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Maulana Fazlur Rehman revealed that he had prior knowledge of a possible operation against Darul Uloom Haqqania.

“I met with state officials and warned them that if such an operation was planned, it would have severe consequences. JUI does not engage in armed politics,” he asserted.

“If any harm comes to Darul Uloom Haqqania, there will be a response,” he warned, emphasizing that Maulana Hamid was a peaceful man.

“How can a gun be turned against a religious scholar? Killing a Muslim scholar is not jihad — it is terrorism.”

The JUI-F leader denounced those justifying violence in the name of jihad.

“Islam teaches that killing one person is like killing all of humanity. These people claim they are seeking paradise, but they are misguided,” he said.

Fazlur Rehman condemned attacks on mosques, recalling recent incidents where religious scholars were killed during prayers.

“When Allah’s name is recited in mosques, angels surround them. Yet, these so-called warriors target mosques. In Balochistan, a scholar was murdered while praying.”

Referring to past assassinations, he said, “Maulana Hasan Jan was martyred. How can I call his killer a warrior? These dark storms will pass, but our madrasas and scholars will remain. You are not warriors — you are murderers and criminals.”

Expressing his resolve, he said, “I am a cleric, the son of a cleric. If you want to see true scholars, come to Darul Uloom Haqqania. Those who attack us should be ashamed of themselves.”

“You think you can wipe us out? Do you realise what will rise after that? Our elders have left us two things: faith and ideology, and we will protect them at all costs. Previously, we prayed for your guidance. Now, beware of the curses of the oppressed.”