LAHORE: The religious scholars of the Darul Iftah Jamia Naeemia in consultation with the Lahore police department have issued a Fatwa, declaring three crimes – one-wheelie, kite flying and aerial firing – un-Islamic.

In the Fatwa, they referred many Quranic verses and Hadiths to prove these crimes ‘Haram’.

The Fatwa was issued after some crucial meetings held between the senior police officers from Lahore operations wing when the latter shared the data of hundreds of fatalities and injuries to the people, especially the youngsters, leaving many families to suffer lifetime mental anguish.

“The religious scholars and law enforcement officials have issued a stern warning against engaging in dangerous activities such as aerial firing, kite flying and one-wheelie, declaring them both un-Islamic and illegal”, a police official told Dawn here on Tuesday.

In a unanimous Fatwa, he said, Islamic scholars emphasised that Islam prioritises the preservation of human life, and any act that endangers life is strictly forbidden.

“These actions are equivalent to suicide as the Quran explicitly forbids acts that lead to self-destruction,” the official said while quoting the Fatwa.

Lahore DIG Operations Faisal Kamran confirmed to Dawn about the Fatwa issued by the scholars of Jamia Naeemia and supported the religious and legal stance against the above-mentioned three categories of illegal activities.

“All three activities are prohibited due to their extravagance, fatal consequences and un-Islamic nature”, the DIG said.

He went on saying the crackdown on these deadly activities has led to significant arrests and legal actions.

Over the past 20 days, police have arrested 151 individuals for one-wheelie, registered 150 cases against kite flyers, and sent 118 suspects involved in aerial firing to jail.

DIG Kamran highlighted the devastating impact of these actions but still the youngsters were doing illegal activities.

“Kite strings and aerial firing have already claimed numerous innocent lives. The loss of even one life is unacceptable,” he lamented. He said parents, teachers and all the religious scholars were urged to actively educate children on the dangers of these activities and prevent them from indulging in such unlawful behaviour.

“We must work together as a community to safeguard our youth and ensure their compliance with Islamic and legal principles,” the DIG said.

He said the religious scholars have reiterated that Islam strictly prohibits ‘reckless’ behaviour that jeopardises life.

The Quran commands believers to avoid self-inflicted harm, underscoring the importance of caution and responsibility.

As the city intensifies its efforts to curb these life-threatening activities, it remains imperative for the public to cooperate with authorities. This Fatwa reflects the growing concern over activities that risk lives and violate Islamic principles, sending a strong message about the importance of community responsibility and adherence to the law, the DIG concludes.

Published in Dawn, December 22nd, 2024