New Delhi: A day after influential Islamic seminary Darul Uloom Deoband issued a fatwa that it was not proper for Muslims to chant “Bharat Mata ki Jai”, the Indian Muslim leadership stood divided on the issue.
While most leaders and religious scholars agreed with the edict’s basic premise – that Muslims cannot worship India as a deity despite their deep love for the country, some questioned the timing and political relevance of the fatwa, while one took a contrary stand.
Without commenting on the fatwa, Jamiat-e-Ulema Hind president Maulana Arshad Madani took exception to the view that it was improper for Muslims to chant the slogan.
“I don’t think there is anything wrong in chanting ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ as this is similar to saying ‘Jai Hind’, which Muslims do without hesitation,” Madani said.
Elaborating on his contention, he said: “See, this is about perception. The Hindus perceive India as a deity, a devi. Muslims should not see it as a deity and see Bharat Mata as their motherland. Then there is nothing wrong in saying ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’.”
Madani, a widely-respected Islamic scholar who teaches hadith (Prophet’s traditions) at Darul Uloom, argued what would be the position of Muslims if Hindus make a picture of Allah and start worshipping it.
“Would you stop calling Allahu Akbar then?” he said. (IANS)
