Imam-i-Kaaba Sheikh Saleh Bin Mohammad Bin Ibrahim, in an interview with Geo News, said when it comes to accusing someone of blasphemy, there are two types of people, "those who are illiterate and those who misuse Islam for personal gains", adding there is no reprieve in religion for the latter.
Ibrahim's comments came when a debate surrounding the Blasphemy law has resurfaced following the lynching of a university student in Mardan by an angry mob, comprising mainly of other fellow students, based on blasphemy allegations.
The Imam of Makkah's Grand Mosque, in the interview aired on Sunday, said the people who are illiterate and cast false blasphemy accusations on someone should be educated and given the relevant knowledge.
However, he added that those "whose hearts are plagued with disease misuse Islam intentionally".
Ibrahim further said, "Allah (SWT) has said that He will not reveal His signs to those who act as an authority on earth," adding that such people "will never choose to follow the right path even if directed towards it".
The Grand Mosque's prayer leader said that it was the responsibility of the ulema to educate people about the teachings of Islam. "The ulema should teach people to stay away from terrorism and extremism," he said, adding the scholars should preach such that a positive image of Islam emerges.
"Islam is a religion of peace, forgiveness, and tolerance," he added.
