Maulana Arshad Madani’s assertion against the UCC underscores a deep-seated concern within the Muslim community regarding the potential infringement upon their religious identity.
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – Any law that goes against Shariah is not acceptable to the Muslims, Maulana Arshad Madani, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind (JUH) president, has said.
Maulana Madani, a prominent voice of the Indian Muslim community, expressed strong opposition to the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), citing it as discriminatory against Shariah law. His remarks came amidst ongoing debates regarding the UCC’s viability and its implications for religious minorities in India.
In a statement issued here on Wednesday, the JUH chief wondered why there was discrimination in Uniform Civil Code? “If Scheduled Tribes can be exempted in the passed bill due to the Constitution, why not Muslims?”
Shariah law, derived from Islamic principles and teachings, governs various aspects of Muslim life, including family matters such as marriage, divorce, and inheritance. Any attempt to supersede Shariah with a uniform code is perceived by Muslims is an encroachment upon their religious rights and cultural identity.
Maulana Madani’s assertion against the UCC underscores a deep-seated concern within the Muslim community regarding the potential infringement upon their religious autonomy and customary practices.
Maulana Madani’s statement unequivocally rejects the notion of accepting any law that contradicts Shariah, emphasising its non-negotiable status within the Muslim community. This stance reflects a broader sentiment among Indian Muslims who view Shariah as integral to their faith and personal conduct.
Moreover, Maulana Madani contended that the UCC, if enforced, would exacerbate existing disparities and injustices faced by minority communities, particularly Muslims. He argued that a UCC overlooks the diverse religious and cultural practices across India and risks marginalising those who adhere to non-mainstream norms.
Maulana Madani’s opposition to the UCC underscores the complexity of reconciling religious diversity with the pursuit of legal uniformity in a secular democracy like India. As discussions on the UCC continue, it is essential to engage in dialogue that respects the concerns and perspectives of all stakeholders, ensuring that any legal reforms uphold constitutional principles of equality and religious freedom while fostering social cohesion.
