Maulana Chand Mian criticises the chief minister, defends Muslim practices and warns against spreading misinformation
NEW DELHI – Muslim leaders and scholars have roundly criticised Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for his “audacious and uncalled for” remarks disparaging the Islamic concept of halal certification. They emphasised that halal certification is a religious practice and that allegations linking it to terrorism are completely unfounded and unjustified.
Addressing an event in Gorakhpur marking the centenary celebrations of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the chief minister urged people to scrutinise halal certifications on food products, claiming that funds raised through these certificates are misused for terrorism, religious conversions, and so-called “love jihad.”
Adityanath said people must not spend even a single rupee in the name of halal certification. “A conspiracy is being carried out under the guise of halal certification, and money collected is allegedly used to fund terrorism,” he alleged.
Rebutting the chief minister’s assertion, Muslim leaders emphasised that halal certification is meant to help Muslims adhere to dietary laws, and that any allegations connecting it to terrorism are unfounded and misleading.
Maulana Chand Mian, a senior cleric associated with the Jamiat Daawatul Muslimeen, said the chief minister’s claim was audacious and uncalled for. “It is nonsensical to suggest that halal certificate money is used for terrorism. The funds are primarily used to assist widows, orphans, and vulnerable members of society. This is part of our community’s commitment to social welfare.”
He continued, “Halal certification is a religious obligation. Every practising Muslim checks the halal certificate before purchasing any product to ensure it complies with Islamic dietary laws. Linking this practice to terrorism is both misleading and unfair.”
Halal, an Arabic term meaning permissible, is a fundamental principle in Islam governing food consumption. Halal certification ensures that meat and other food products are prepared according to Islamic law. Beyond dietary adherence, many Islamic organisations allocate halal certification funds to charitable causes, including healthcare support, education for underprivileged children, and aid to widows and the elderly.
Maulana Chand Mian highlighted, “People must understand that halal certificates are not a source of terror funding. They are part of our ethical and religious commitment. The money collected is invested in supporting the needy and strengthening our social fabric.”
He added, “If halal certificates were indeed funding terrorism, one must question why intelligence agencies are not taking action. Targeting a religious practice without evidence undermines communal harmony and misleads the public.”
The chief minister’s remarks also referenced the historical spread of Islam in India, suggesting that Muslim invasions had caused damage to the Sanatan Dharma and were linked to political Islam. He cited historical conflicts involving Muslim rulers, framing them as religious attacks.
Maulana Chand Mian rejected this interpretation outright. He stated, “Wars between kings in India were fought over political power, territorial rights, and personal gain, not over religion. It is historically inaccurate and misleading to label them as Islamic invasions. Islam, as a faith, has never sought to harm any religion or community.”
He added, “Indian Muslims are not foreign immigrants from other countries. We are natives of India, contributing to the country’s social, cultural, and economic life for centuries. The chief minister must understand that his statements can harm communal peace and create unnecessary tensions.”
Several Muslim organisations in Uttar Pradesh also asserted that halal certification is purely a religious observance. They stressed that targeting these practices could create divisions and fuel communal disharmony.
Abdul Rahman, a resident of Gorakhpur, said, “We are law-abiding citizens who follow our faith sincerely. Halal certification is a matter of personal religious practice, and implying it is linked to terrorism is offensive and hurtful to millions of Muslims in India.”
Another Muslim business owner, who runs a halal-certified meat shop, remarked, “We ensure that our products follow halal standards, and part of our earnings goes to charitable activities. It is wrong to suggest that our honest work is connected to terrorism.”
For the Indian Muslim community, halal is not merely a certificate but a guide to daily living. From food and pharmaceuticals to cosmetics, halal certification helps ensure compliance with religious principles. It serves as both a religious and ethical marker for Muslims, enabling them to participate fully in the modern economy while adhering to their faith.
Maulana Chand Mian emphasised, “Halal certification is about ensuring ethical consumption. It teaches responsibility, hygiene, and care for animals during slaughter. These practices have existed for centuries. Misrepresenting them as a tool for terrorism is not only wrong but also dangerous.”
The controversy has sparked a broader debate about political responsibility and the role of leaders in fostering communal harmony. Scholars and social activists argue that statements from high-ranking officials carry weight and can influence public perceptions, making it crucial to present facts accurately.
Maulana Chand Mian advised, “As the chief minister, your words reach millions. It is important to speak with knowledge, integrity, and compassion. Rather than creating unnecessary suspicion around a religious practice, leaders should focus on promoting unity and understanding among communities.”
He added, “We urge CM Yogi to acknowledge the contributions of Indian Muslims to the country and refrain from issuing statements that could harm social cohesion.”
During the same event, Adityanath referred to “political Islam” and mentioned historical figures such as Chhatrapati Shivaji, suggesting they fought against political Islam. Maulana Chand Mian criticised this framing, saying, “Using religion as a lens to interpret historical political conflicts is misleading. Political power struggles existed in all communities, and they should not be conflated with religion. Islam as a faith was never at the centre of these wars.”
He continued, “By conflating historical events with religious identity, the chief minister risks creating a false narrative about Muslims in India. Our community has coexisted peacefully with people of all faiths for centuries.”
Experts have warned that statements linking halal certification to terrorism could have economic and social repercussions. Many Muslim-owned businesses rely on halal certification for their operations, and any public mistrust could harm livelihoods. Moreover, such allegations risk stigmatising an entire community based on religious practice, which could escalate tensions in a diverse state like Uttar Pradesh.
Fatima Begum, a local activist, said, “When political leaders make such statements without evidence, it not only hurts the community but also misleads ordinary citizens. Halal is a routine part of Muslim life, and there is nothing illegal or violent about it.”
As the controversy unfolds, it remains crucial for authorities, media, and citizens alike to distinguish between religious practices and unsubstantiated allegations. Halal certificates, far from being a source of terror, represent centuries of ethical, social, and religious responsibility upheld by India’s Muslim community.
