Temple demolition

WMC condemns demolition of Hindu Temple
Jun 13 2006 10:12PM comments rss:

PRESS RELEASE

June 13, 2006.
Muslims condemn the demolition of Hindu Temple in Lahore

Dallas, Texas - The World Muslim Congress condemns the demolition of Hindu Temple in Lahore and urges the Government of Pakistan to restore the temple.

Muslims follow Islam, a monotheistic religion but not a monolithic religion. Muslims who have deeply imbibed the teaching of Islam condemn the act of demolition of the temple in Pakistan.

We do appreciate that several opposition members of the National Assembly of Pakistan from the Pakistan Peoples Party, and Pakistan Muslim League reportedly objected and moved a motion against the demolition, saying such an act could have a bearing on Pakistan's relations with neighboring countries.

We urge the people and the Federal government of Pakistan to join us in not only in condemnation but in restoration.

Allah through the holy Qur’an says: "O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things) - al-Hujurat 49:13

"Prophet Mohammad emphasized Good deed is one that makes life better for others, as planting a tree would provide shade and fruit for all in the future

The second Caliph Umar set an example of respecting the sanctity of places of worship when he conquered Jerusalem. At the time of the evening prayer the Bishop of the Church of holy sepulcher offered him a nice place to pray in the church but he refused, saying that he fears that generations after him may try to take over and convert the church to a Mosque. So he prayed out side the church.

The old truism is a valuable lesson and a golden rule preached by all religions "treat others as you wanted to be treated".
It is not about religion in the narrow sectarian terms, it is about respecting other people's right to have their own place of worship as Islam enjoins and is an important article of the Geneva Conventions.

We urge every one who considers humanity a family to denounce such acts no matter where they take place.

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Contact:
Mike M. Ghouse - MikeGhouse@gmail.com
Mirza A. Beg - mirza.a.beg@gmail.com
World Muslim Congress
3928 Brazos Drive, Carrollton, TX 75007
www.WorldMuslimCongress.com
Hindu temple in Lahore demolishedhttp://www.hindustantimes.com/news/7598_1719330,000500020000.htm Press Trust of India Islamabad, June 13, 2006 16:16 IST
The only Hindu temple in the Pakistani city of Lahore has been demolished to pave the way for construction of a multi-storied commercial building.
The temple was recently demolished after officials of the Evacuee Property Trust Board (EPTB), the government body maintaining properties of minorities, specially Hindus and Sikhs, reportedly concealed facts from the board chairman about the nature of the building, daily 'Dawn ' reported on Tuesday.
A private developer was allowed to demolish 'Krishna Mandir' at Wachhoowali, Rang Mahal and raise a commercial building in its place in violation of the EPTB's own scheme for management and disposal of urban evacuee trust properties, it said.
Quoting documents, the paper said board officials did not mention that the property being given to an influential jeweller of the area, was a Hindu temple.
Had the officials indicated in the correspondence with the chairman that the property was a Hindu temple, he might have rejected the request for its transfer to the jeweller-developer for the construction of a four-storey commercial building, an EPTB official was quoted as saying.
The demolition was objected to by several opposition members of the National Assembly like Pakistan Peoples Party, and Pakistan Muslim League-N, who reportedly moved a motion against the demolition, saying such an act could have a bearing on Pakistan's relations with neighbouring countries.The demolished Krishna temple was the only Hindu place of worship in the city.
This is the second Hindu temple to have been permitted to be demolished by EPTB administrator Chaudhry Javed Bashir, sources in the EPTB said. He had permitted demolition of a temple at Vehari in Punjab province last year for construction of a commercial building.
Demolition of temples would only disparage the reputation of the country in the comity of nations as an anti-minority state, the sources said.
The EPTB Scheme for Management and Disposal of Urban Evacuee Trust Properties, 1977, categorically prohibits the sale or demolition of an evacuee trust property that is part of appurtenance to a shrine, a religious place or a building of historical or architectural importance