Mufti Abul Qasim Nomani distances himself from Jamiat chief’s interview remarks
Team Clarion
DEOBAND – Mufti Abul Qasim Nomani, a senior scholar and influential figure at Darul Uloom Deoband, has openly expressed his disagreement with the recent interview of Maulana Mahmood Madani, president of Jamiat-e-Ulema Hind, conducted by journalist Sushant Sinha. Mufti Nomani clarified that while his name was mentioned in the interview, he does not support the statements made by Mahmood Madani, specifically addressing his discomfort with Madani’s comments on Hyderabad MP and All India Majlis-e Ittihadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) supremo Asaduddin Owaisi and other sensitive issues affecting the Muslim community.
In a public statement, Mufti Nomani emphasised that he felt obligated to respond, given that he was referenced during the interview. “Everyone in this country has the right to express disagreement,” he said. “However, I do not agree with what Mahmood Madani has said. His way of expressing his views is not in line with the respect due to certain personalities and their positions.”
Nomani also pointed out the current challenges facing the Muslim community in India, highlighting two major concerns: the Waqf Amendment Bill and the issue of blasphemy. He praised Owaisi for his courage in addressing these issues and criticised Mahmood Madani’s remarks as inappropriate. According to Nomani, Madani’s statements undermine the efforts being made to solve these pressing matters.
Mufti Nomani expressed particular dissatisfaction with how Mahmood Madani handled the interview, stating that it is not necessary to answer every question posed by the anchor. “One can simply refuse to answer or provide a neutral opinion. Respect for personalities and positions should always be maintained in such discussions,” he added, distancing himself from Madani’s approach.
Maulana Sajjad Nomani, a spokesperson for the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, also voiced support for Mufti Abul Qasim Nomani’s criticism. He called the assertion that Owaisi is responsible for the BJP’s rise to power “completely absurd” and a sign of ignorance. Sajjad Nomani reiterated his agreement with the Mufti’s stance, expressing hope that the situation would be clarified and resolved after the Mufti’s statement.
Mufti Ismail Qasmi, Member of Parliament for Malegaon, criticised Mahmood Madani’s comments about Owaisi, stating that the Hyderabad MP is one of the few leaders addressing the issues faced by Muslims in India. He further claimed that Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind was divided into two factions due to the leadership of Mahmood Madani, weakening the influence of the Jamiat as a unified body.
The reactions reflect the growing discontent among prominent Muslim leaders regarding Mahmood Madani’s controversial statements. As the debate continues, it underscores the divide within sections of Muslim leadership on how to address the political and social challenges facing the community in the country.
