The Religious and Political Legacy of Maulana Hamid ul Haq Haqqani

Maulana Hamid ul Haq Haqqani, a prominent Islamic scholar and political leader, was martyred in a suicide attack at the Jamia Mosque of Darul Uloom Haqqania in Akora Khattak. At the age of 57, he was serving as the deputy administrator of Darul Uloom Haqqania and had been the head of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (S) since 2018, following the assassination of his father, Maulana Sami ul Haq. Reportedly, Maulana Hamid ul Haq was actively working to ease tensions between Kabul and Islamabad. ISKP had already been threatening him and today, Khawarijs targeted one of the main bridges of peace between Kabul and Islamabad. His assassination appears to be a deliberate effort to derail peace efforts between the two neighboring countries.

Early Life and Political Career

Born into a family deeply rooted in religious scholarship and political activism, Maulana Hamid ul Haq followed in the footsteps of his father, Maulana Sami ul Haq, the founder of Darul Uloom Haqqania. His influence extended beyond the religious domain as he served as a member of the National Assembly of Pakistan from 2002 to 2007. During his tenure, he actively participated in legislative matters, advocating for policies aligned with Islamic values and national interests.

Advocacy Against Extremism and Terrorism

A strong opponent of extremism, Maulana Hamid ul Haq consistently condemned terrorism and issued religious decrees against unlawful killings. He rejected extremist ideologies, emphasizing that Islam does not permit the killing of innocent people. He frequently criticized groups that used jihad as a pretext for violence, branding them as adherents of Khawarij ideology. His vocal stance against militancy led to numerous threats against his life.

Despite these dangers, he remained steadfast in his mission to promote religious harmony, peace, and dialogue among different sects. He strongly advocated for peaceful coexistence and interfaith harmony, stressing the need for all factions within the country to work together for stability.

Role in Islamic Education and the Taliban Connection

As the deputy administrator of Darul Uloom Haqqania, Maulana Hamid ul Haq played a key role in shaping religious education in Pakistan. He took pride in the fact that many graduates of the seminary held influential positions, including those in the Afghan Taliban’s government. He defended their inclusion in governance, stating that they were well-educated and politically aware individuals capable of leading Afghanistan effectively. He urged Western powers to recognize the Taliban-led government to prevent further conflict in the region.

Views on Global Affairs

Maulana Hamid ul Haq’s perspectives on international politics were often critical of Western interventions in Muslim-majority countries. While he condemned the 9/11 attacks that resulted in the deaths of thousands, he questioned the attribution of the attacks to Osama bin Laden and criticized the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan. He viewed the Taliban’s response as an act of self-defense rather than aggression.

Continuing His Father’s Mission

Committed to his father’s vision, Maulana Hamid ul Haq frequently spoke about preserving Pakistan’s ideological and geographical sovereignty. He condemned imperialist forces and called for unity among Muslim nations to support oppressed communities, particularly in Palestine. On one occasion, he vowed that the sacrifices of religious scholars would not be in vain and reaffirmed his commitment to safeguarding Pakistan’s religious institutions and national interests.

A Tragic Loss and Its Impact

Maulana Hamid ul Haq’s martyrdom is a significant loss for Pakistan’s religious and political landscape. His assassination underscores the ongoing threats posed by extremist and terrorist elements to voices advocating for peace and dialogue. His legacy, marked by unwavering commitment to religious education, anti-extremism, and national integrity, will continue to inspire future generations.

The government must take immediate steps to bring the perpetrators of this heinous act to justice and intensify efforts to counter extremism in the country. His martyrdom serves as a stark reminder of the need for a united front against forces seeking to destabilize Pakistan’s religious and social harmony.

Maulana Hamid ul Haq will be remembered as a scholar, a leader, and a defender of peace whose contributions to Pakistan’s religious and political spheres will not be forgotten.