By Abdul Bari Masoud
4 July 2024: Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind (M) on Thursday called on the Union Government to introduce separate laws aimed at curbing the rising instances of Islamophobia in the country. The organization condemned the increasing attacks on the Muslim community and emphasized that progress cannot be achieved until religious hostility is eradicated nationwide.
During its two-day Governing Council meeting, held at its headquarters, Jamiat discussed the growing hate campaigns and Islamophobia in India, the ongoing genocide by the Israeli government in Palestine, and other critical issues.
Presiding over the meeting, Jamiat chief Maulana Mahmood Asad Madani stressed that the nation cannot thrive on hatred but on love and unity. He condemned the surge in mob lynching and the spread of anti-Muslim propaganda, calling them harmful to the nation’s fabric and international reputation. Without directly naming Prime Minister Narendra Modi or other BJP leaders, Madani criticized statements targeting the Muslim community, such as “ziyada bacha paida karte hain” (they produce more children) and “ghuspathiya” (infiltrators), for poisoning the communal atmosphere.
Madani emphasized the importance of dialogue and understanding among all communities to dispel misconceptions, asserting that love is the only antidote to hatred. He reiterated the need for specific legislation to combat Islamophobia and urged the government to implement an effective strategy to prevent hate crimes and hate speech.
He also called on the youth to remain vigilant against anti-social forces, warning that vested interests might exploit their emotions to spread despair and hopelessness.
Maulana Mufti Abu Qasim Nomani, Rector of Darul Uloom Deoband, highlighted that the meeting was taking place during a critical period for the country and the Muslim community. He expressed concern over efforts to sway the younger generation away from their faith under the guise of education and culture, describing such coercion as unacceptable.
Vice President of Jamiat, Maulana Muhammad Salman Bijnori, drew attention to the plight of Palestinians, accusing Israelis of committing atrocities against them. He reaffirmed Jamiat’s commitment to the Palestinian cause and expressed deep sympathy for the affected Palestinians.
Mufti Syed Muhammad Salman Mansoorpuri emphasized the importance of religious education in preserving the faith of children. Other notable speakers included Maulana Sidiqallah Choudhury, President of Jamiat Ulama Bengal; Maulana Abdullah Maroofi, teacher at Darul Uloom Deoband; and Maulana Aqil Qasmi, President of Jamiat Ulama Western UP. The meeting was conducted by Jamiat’s General Secretary Maulana Hakeemuddin Qasmi and Mufti Muhammad Afan Mansoorpuri, who presented a report detailing Jamiat’s significant services.
In a resolution, Jamiat expressed deep concern over Islamophobia and incitement against Muslims, calling it a disgrace to Gandhi and Nehru’s India. It noted that these issues are being promoted by key officials of the ruling party, poisoning the atmosphere for minor political gains and affecting even educational institutions. The resolution urged the government to introduce and implement a concrete plan to curb hate speech and hate crimes, including separate legislation as recommended by the Law Commission.
Another resolution condemned the ongoing genocide in Palestine, urging countries, especially the USA, UK, and India, to halt the export of arms and ammunition to Israel. It called for the International Criminal Court to issue arrest warrants for Israeli officials responsible for crimes against Palestinians and to impose heavy fines on Israel for the bloodshed and destruction.
The two-day conference aimed to address various political and social issues, including negative propaganda against Islamic Madrasas and the imposition of non-Islamic practices and Hindu culture on Muslim children in schools.
