Religious scholar Mufti Munir Shakir succumbed to injuries he sustained in a blast outside a mosque in Peshawar’s Armar area on Saturday.
According to police officials, the explosion occurred just before Iftar when an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated outside the mosque, injuring four people, including Mufti Munir Shakir. The blast also caused partial damage to the mosque’s outer wall.
The injured were immediately shifted to Lady Reading Hospital, where Mufti Munir Shakir was brought in critical condition. Despite medical efforts, he could not survive his injuries.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur strongly condemned the incident and has sought a report from law enforcement authorities. He also directed officials to ensure the swift arrest of those responsible and expressed his wishes for the speedy recovery of the injured.
Advisor to the Chief Minister on Information, Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, expressed grief over Mufti Munir Shakir’s demise, stating that attacks on religious scholars are deeply concerning and highly condemnable. He emphasized that those targeting innocent lives are enemies of humanity.
Who was Mufti Munir Shakir?
Mufti Munir Shakir was a distinguished Islamic scholar and preacher. He was born on April 4, 1969, in the village of Makhai Zai, Kurram Agency. His journey was marked by a steadfast commitment to disseminating the teachings of Islam and nurturing a deep understanding of the faith.
Beginning his educational voyage at Government High School Makhai Zai, Mufti Munir Shakir pursued religious studies in Karachi. He excelled in his secondary education at Jamia Al-Binori Town branch Saharab Goth under the guidance of Allama Banuri.
Continuing his quest for knowledge, he earned distinctions in the Alimiyya course at Jamia Darul Uloom Karachi Korangi, mentored by Fazil Sheikh-ul-Hadith Maulana Saleemullah Khan. Furthering his academic pursuits, he completed postgraduate studies in Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh) at Jamiatul Rashid Karachi under the tutelage of Mufti Azam Pakistan Mufti Rashid Ahmed Ludhianvi.
Mufti Munir Shakir’s dedication to Islamic teachings extends beyond academia. He has authored insightful works, including “کیا ہمارے نبی صلی اللّٰہ علیہ وسلم کو جادوگر نے شکست دی؟” which delves into profound aspects of Prophet Muhammad’s life.
Establishing the esteemed “Jamia Masjid Nidaye Quran” in Armar Peshawar, Mufti Munir Shakir fosters spiritual enlightenment and educational growth. Through engaging Tafseer classes, he imparted a deeper understanding of Quranic teachings, enriching the lives of his students and the community.
In recognition of the digital age, Mufti Munir Shakir utilized social media platforms to share his teachings. His Facebook page and YouTube channel feature enlightening Tafseer classes, sermons, and discussions, reaching a global audience and fostering a sense of unity in learning.
Why was he killed?
Mufti Shakir was the founder of the outlawed Lashkar-i-Islam. He formed this in December 2004 after the Sipah and Malikdinkhel tribesmen announced their full allegiance to him. However, the cleric was expelled from Bar Qambarkhel area after only six months owing to his extremist views and differences with Haji Namdar, another militant commander of the area.
Both Mufti Shakir and Pir Saifur Rehman were forced to leave Bara after a jirga of local elders gave a consensus verdict following bloody clashes between the supporters of the two in early 2005. Mangal Bagh, a bus driver-turned-militant was elevated to the position of amir (chief) of Lashkar-i-Islam in May 2005.
So far, no group has claimed the responsibility of Mufti Shakir killing, but it is clear that he was killed due to his different opinion on different religious matters, while he also has a strong but different opinion about the law and order situation and terrorism in the erstwhile tribal areas.
