Community alleges political pressure and religious discrimination in the latest case targeting Muslims
NEW DELHI – In a case that has deeply hurt and angered many Muslims, an Islamic cleric in Sherkot town of Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh, has been booked for collecting donations for war-hit Palestinians in Gaza. The police have registered a case against Maulana Zaki, the Imam of Sherkot’s Jama Masjid, along with two of his associates. The action has sparked outrage among Muslim residents, who see it as part of a growing pattern of criminalising Muslim charity and humanitarian efforts in the country.
According to the police, a complaint was filed by a local, Irshad, son of Abdul Rashid, from Mohalla Shekhan of the city. In his written complaint, Irshad alleged that Maulana Zaki and his team were forcefully collecting money from people in the name of Gaza and threatening those who refused by warning that a fatwa would be issued against them. Based on this, a case was filed under serious charges.
The cleric has denied all allegations and, citing health reasons, has not issued a detailed statement yet. The Muslim community in Sherkot and surrounding areas has come out strongly in his support, calling the police action politically motivated and an attack on religious freedom.
Speaking to Clarion India, Abdul Hameed, a retired schoolteacher from Sherkot, said: “We are heartbroken. All Maulana Zaki was doing was collecting money for the suffering people of Gaza. It was a noble act. Now, even helping the oppressed has become a crime if a Muslim does it.”
The development has caused a clear divide in the town, but many Muslim residents view the case as part of a wider pattern of harassment. Several residents interviewed said the charges were “fake” and “deliberate.”
Mohd Sadiq, a shopkeeper in the town’s main market, asked angrily: “When Hindus collect donations for temples or other causes, nobody stops them. Why are only Muslims questioned when we help our brothers and sisters in Gaza?”
CO Afzalgarh Rajesh Solanki confirmed that a report has been filed against three people, including the cleric. He said: “We are also checking whether the amount collected was sent to Gaza and whether any rules were broken regarding foreign funding or financial laws.”
However, police have not provided any proof yet to support the allegations of threats or forceful collection. The people close to the mosque committee maintain that there was no wrongdoing.
One of Maulana Zaki’s students, requesting not to be named, said: “The Maulana only appealed to people after Friday prayers. No one was ever forced. People donated the money of their own will. We know that the police are under pressure from above.”
This case has stirred strong emotions in Muslim circles across Uttar Pradesh and beyond. Several organisations have condemned the action.
Speaking to the media, Maulana Rashid of Saharanpur, a known Islamic scholar, said: “It is sad that Muslims are not even allowed to feel the pain of fellow Muslims outside India. Whenever we raise our voice for Gaza or Palestine, we are labelled as anti-national or terrorists. This is dangerous for the future of our democracy.”
Another local Imam from Amroha, Maulana Abdul Wahid, added: “When Hindus raise money for building temples in Nepal or Bhutan, the government stays silent. But when Muslims raise money for Gaza, the police register a case. This is a clear double standard.”
The accused, Maulana Zaki, is not a stranger to the community. He has been serving as the imam of Sherkot’s Jama Masjid for several years. Originally from Mohalla Ravidas Nagar in Deoband town of Saharanpur, he is known for his gentle behaviour and humble lifestyle.
“He is a simple man who prays five times a day and teaches children. His only crime is that he tried to collect money for the suffering people of Gaza,” said Shabana Khatoon, a resident of the area.
Community members say that ever since the Gaza conflict began, several young men have come forward to donate whatever little they could. Old women gave their savings, and some children even gave their pocket money. Many in Sherkot feel proud of their support for Gaza and say that this case has turned that pride into fear.
Following the police action, many Muslim residents say they are now afraid to raise their voice or even pray openly for the people of Gaza. “We used to collect money during Ramadan for the poor in India and abroad. Now we are scared. Will we also be arrested for helping people in need?’ said Rashida Begum, a widow who had donated ₹500 to the fund.
Several Muslim youths are also worried that their names may be dragged into the case. “We only gave money. We don’t know where it went. We thought it was a noble cause. Now we are scared the police might call us next,” said a student.
Locals also allege that the case was filed under pressure from certain right-wing Hindu groups who have been keeping an eye on Muslim gatherings, especially since the Gaza war broke out. They claim that these groups file complaints to provoke action and harass Muslims.
“It is not the first time. These people record our activities, then go to the police with false stories. And the police act without verifying facts,” said an activist from Bijnor, who did not want to be named.
In recent months, several cases have been reported where Muslims were stopped from showing solidarity with Palestinians. From students being suspended for posting pro-Palestine messages to imams being questioned for praying for Gaza, Muslims say they are being unfairly treated.
“We are not against any country. We only support the innocent people suffering in Gaza. But in India, that is enough to make you a suspect,” said Maulana Firoz of Muzaffarnagar.
Many Muslims feel that while crimes against them are ignored, their smallest acts are magnified and punished.
People who regularly attend prayers at Sherkot Jama Masjid deny the claims that any fatwa was threatened or issued. Mohammad Yunus, said, “I have been coming here for years. I was there when the Maulana asked for donations. He never said anything about a fatwa or threats. It was a peaceful request after prayers.”
Even those who did not donate said they were not pressured. “I did not have money to give. But no one forced me. The Maulana looked sad for Gaza, that’s all,” said Abdul Kareem, a rickshaw puller.
Legal experts in Bijnor say the case appears weak if the police do not provide any concrete proof.
Advocate Saifuddin Ahmad, a criminal lawyer in Bijnor court, said, “If the complaint is only based on someone saying they were threatened, the police must show evidence. Otherwise, this will not hold in court.”
He added, “Collecting money for an international humanitarian crisis is not a crime unless it is sent illegally. That must be proven.”
Despite the fear and anger, many Muslims say they will continue to stand with the people of Gaza and support them in whatever way they can. “They want to silence us. But our hearts beat for every oppressed person, whether in Gaza or India,” said Shakeel Ahmad, a madrasa teacher.
The people of Sherkot are now awaiting the next steps from the police and the court. But for now, they say their trust in the system is shaken.
“When helping Gaza brings police to your door, something is very wrong in the country,” said Najma Bano, a school principal.
