Not up to us to decide who will go to heaven and who will go to hell: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday urged all religious-minded people, including Aleem and Ulema, to remain vigilant so that no one could tarnish the image of Islam.

“Let’s ensure that our sacred religion is not tarnished through various means. Aleem, Ulema and religious-minded people must keep an eye on this issue,” she said.

The prime minister said this while inaugurating 50 more model mosques and Islamic cultural centres across the country – in the fourth phase – joining virtually from her official residence Ganabhaban.

She said that Islam is the religion of peace, and those engaged in terrorism and militancy are tarnishing the image of this religion of peace.

“They are on the wrong path. All of us have to pay special attention to this matter,” she said.

The PM said that the last judgement will be made by the Almighty Allah.

“Who believes in Islam and who does not, we cannot decide that. It is very regrettable that sometimes we see some people unnecessarily trying to undermine other religions or different mazhab (sects) of Islam,” Sheikh Hasina said.

She said that this is against the lessons of Islam and ideology of the Prophet (PBUH). “This kind of attitude is not acceptable. Allah will judge everyone and everything… Allah will decide who will go to heaven and who will go to hell.”

Everyone will perform rituals of their own religion, and it is stated in the constitution of Bangladesh, she said.

“One cannot go to heaven by killing people. Killing innocent people will lead one to land in the fire of hell… People must be aware of this,” the PM said.

She said that all, irrespective of religion and background, gave their blood to attain the independence of the country.

“Everyone will perform their religious rituals, maintaining communal harmony. We run our country keeping faith in Allah. Everyone has equal rights and we believe that,” she said.

Terming militancy and terrorism as menaces of society, she said that these take away lives and misguide people. “Steps must be taken to keep people away from these menaces.”

She urged Aleems, Ulemas and Khatibs to be vigilant as sometimes quarters with vested interest misguide impressionable children to the wrong path.

“We cannot let children get involved in terrorism. Islam’s messages of peace and values must be ingrained in them,” she said.

She also asked all to remain alert regarding rumours, corruption, and repression of the weak. In this connection, she requested the imams to deliver special Khutba during Jummah prayers.

A documentary on the model mosques and Islamic cultural centres was screened at the function.

With State Minister for Religious Affairs Md Faridul Haque Khan in the chair, secretary of the ministry Kazi Enamul Hassan delivered welcome address at the function.

Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary Md Tofazzel Hossain Miah moderated the programme