The Jamiat Ulama Hind chief underscored the organisation's commitment to fostering integrity, unity, and brotherhood post-independence. He cited recent instances, such as providing assistance to homeless families in the riot-hit Mewat region of Haryana.
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI — Some vested interests are engaged in obnoxious attempts to tamper with the country’s social fabric thus threatening India’s democratic structure, Maulana Arshad Madani, President of Jamiat Ulama Hind, has said.
In an interaction with the media on the current situation of the country here on Wednesday, Maulana Madani said the politics of hatred will take the country to the path of destruction.
Referring to the recent events in Parliament, the Jamiat chief said: “No doubt it was a serious matter but the media didn’t ask any question. Had there been Shakeel Ahmed in place of Sagar Sharma, the same media would have made much fuss, targeting the entire Muslim community. This politics of hatred will take the country to the path of destruction.”
Maulana Madani said what is happening now in the name of politics puts a grave question mark on the supremacy of the Constitution.
Emphasising the nation’s rich history of diversity and unity, Maulana Madani cautioned against jeopardising these values for petty political gains.
“Secularism means the state will have no religion, but unfortunately, now everything in the country is changing. Now politics is being done to please the majority only instead of the entire people. It is destructive for the country’s secular structure and democracy,” he said.
Jamiat Ulama Hind, established a century ago, has played a pivotal role in India’s struggle for independence. Maulana Madani underscored the organisation’s commitment to fostering integrity, unity, and brotherhood post-independence. He cited recent instances, such as providing assistance to homeless families in the riot-hit Mewat region of Haryana. The Jamiat, he said, also assisted Hindu families and it was an evidence of the organisation’s dedication to the welfare of all citizens.
Maulana Madani called on the media to assess its role in promoting national interests. He criticised the media’s handling of recent events and urged it to have a fair and unbiased evaluation of reporting standards.
Maulana Madani questioned the push for a uniform civil code, emphasising the constitutional guarantee of religious freedom.
In reply to a question on Gyanvapi Masjid, Maulana Madani asserted that the Jamiat has no objection to the survey ordered by the court. “We believe if the survey is conducted honestly, nothing will come out of it. But the way this new controversy has been raised goes against the Places of Worship Act, 1991, which clearly states that no such controversy will be raised on any place of worship which has been in existence since 1947.”
When asked if the Jamiat will take the matter to the Supreme Court, he said: “We will go as far as the law of the land allows us.”
On the silence of secular parties, he said the political party which enacted this law in Parliament should speak on it instead of remaining silent on the issue.
On international issues, Maulana Madani defended the Palestinian struggle for liberation, urging a nuanced understanding of historical context. “It is important to know history. Israel has usurped the Palestinian land and the people of Gaza are fighting to liberate their land. It’s wrong to call them terrorists,” he said.
Expressing dismay over the current state of Indian politics, he warned against propagation of hatred and discrimination, asserting that such practices would hinder the country’s development and erode its secular structure.
Maulana Madani reminded of the supreme sacrifices made by our leaders for an inclusive and secular India. He urged a return to those principles, emphasising the potential dangers of deviating from the path of unity and tolerance.
