LAHORE: In an effort to prevent the desecration of Quranic verses, the Punjab Quran Board has recently announced a ban on printing Quranic verses on sheets laid on shrines and graves. The decision was made during the 51st meeting of the PQB, presided over by Qari Hanif Jallundhari. The move comes in accordance with recommendations from the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) and the religious edicts of scholars from all four schools of thought.
Religious Organizations Support the Ban:
The decision by the Punjab Quran Board has garnered support from various religious organizations, including the Quran Publishers Association (QPA). Qudratullah, the president of QPA, along with other office-bearers, welcomed the decision and called upon the government to enforce it by issuing directives to the relevant authorities.
Reasons for the Ban:
The QPA highlighted the reasons behind the ban, emphasizing the disrespectful treatment of Quranic verses caused by the practice of laying thin cloth sheets with printed Quranic verses on graves. These sheets are prone to damage from strong winds and rain, ultimately leading to their disintegration and disposal in inappropriate manners. The scattered shreds often end up under the feet of humans and animals, further disrespecting the sacred verses. Additionally, it was revealed that drug addicts have been known to misuse these sheets in immoral and illegal ways.
Long-standing Demands and Recommendations:
The Quran Publishers Association pointed out that scholars have been advocating for this ban for a significant period. Numerous decrees and edicts were issued in support of the prohibition of printing Quranic verses on sheets laid on graves. The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) has also recommended the implementation of this ban to preserve the sanctity of the Quran.
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Government Urged to Act:
During a recent meeting, QPA’s president, Qudratullah, along with chairman Ahsan Mehmood Shah, chief patron Hafeez ul Barkaat Shah, and others, urged the government to take action and issue instructions for the effective implementation of this decision. They emphasized the need for proper arrangements to dispose of the sheets in a respectful manner.
Preserving the Sanctity of Quranic Verses:
The ban on printing Quranic verses on sheets laid on shrines and graves aims to uphold the sanctity of the Quran and prevent the desecration of its verses. By taking this step, the Punjab Quran Board, along with the support of religious organizations, seeks to ensure that proper respect is given to the sacred text. It is now up to the government to enforce the decision and ensure that the ban is adhered to in letter and spirit.
