Maulana Arshad Madani said:
- Dividing people on religious lines amounts to dividing the country itself
- Religious polarisation has increasingly replaced development, employment and education as election issues
- Jamiat would continue to oppose any move that undermines secularism and the Constitution
NEW DELHI — Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind on Thursday distributed keys to 15 newly constructed houses for flood-affected families in Chenani town of Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district, including seven widowed women, marking the first phase of its rehabilitation initiative.
Addressing the gathering, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind president Maulana Arshad Madani spoke about the devastation caused by recent floods across Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, saying that while faith teaches acceptance of God’s will, practical humanitarian efforts remain essential.
“We are servants of the Creator and submit to His will, but at the same time Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, its volunteers and branches are doing everything possible to help those affected,” Maulana Madani said.
He stressed that natural disasters do not discriminate on the basis of religion and that victims come from all communities. “When calamity strikes, it engulfs everyone alike,” he said, adding that Jamiat’s assistance is extended to all without discrimination, as serving humanity is its core mission.
Flood survivors who received the homes said that although many had offered sympathy after the disaster, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind provided concrete support. Several beneficiaries became emotional during the ceremony, expressing gratitude and offering prayers for Madani’s well-being. The houses were constructed with support from Jamiat Ulama Rajasthan.
Following the distribution, Maulana Madani expressed concern over the prevailing situation in Kashmir, reiterating that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and that winning the trust of its people is vital. He said the character of an entire society should not be judged by the actions of a few.
Referring to developments after the Pahalgam incident, Madani said the compassion and solidarity displayed by Kashmiris reflected their commitment to peace. He also voiced alarm over recent reports of harassment of Muslim traders, including Kashmiri shawl sellers, in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, calling such targeting on the basis of religious identity “inhumane and unjust.”
Maulana Madani warned against attempts to establish a “Hindu Rashtra,” saying Nepal’s transition from a Hindu state to a democratic system showed that lasting progress depends on constitutional values and democratic governance. He asserted that Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind would continue to oppose any move that undermines secularism and the Constitution.
“Dividing people on religious lines amounts to dividing the country itself,” he said, alleging that sectarian forces are deliberately fostering hatred for political gain. He cautioned that politics driven by communal polarisation threatens India’s peace, unity and development.
Expressing concern over rising hostility towards Muslims, Maulana Madani said extremist elements were openly active while law enforcement agencies appeared ineffective. He argued that religious polarisation has increasingly replaced development, employment and education as election issues.
Concluding his remarks, Jamia President said the current atmosphere of hatred would not last forever, expressing hope that peace, brotherhood and justice would ultimately prevail.
