COUNTERING EXTREMISM THROUGH SUFI PRACTICES

Accepting diversity as Nature's way and a norm of human life is the key to resolve the ongoing ideological contradictions and socio-ethnic ambiguities, which are the main drivers of extremism in Pakistan. In order to fight the growing menace of religious extremism, sectarian divide and ethnic intolerance, there is a dire need to find a way of life which functions on the basis of inclusiveness and shuns exclusiveness. Sufism provides such a viable option. Sufis feel that "Allah" has created diversity, so we must respect it. "Do not give me the scissors! Give me the needle! I sew together! I do not cut apart!" is Sufism's social doctrine.