– Raheem Khan
Jaipur, Feb. 13: In a meeting held on Monday, the state executive of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind (JUH) passed a resolution condemning the government order to organize mass Surya Namaskar in all schools on the occasion of Surya Saptami.
The resolution termed the order as a clear interference in religious matters and a blatant disregard for the religious freedom enshrined in the Constitution and the orders of the Supreme Court and various High Courts. It appealed to Muslims not to send their children to school on February 15, and boycott the event.
JUH state executive clarified that in the Hindu society, the sun is worshipped as a deity. The mantras recited and the prostration (Ashtaanga Namaskar) performed in this practice are acts of worship, and in Islam, the worship of any being/thing other than Allah is unacceptable. It’s not possible for Muslims to accept it in any form or situation.
JUH said it firmly believes that imposing the beliefs of a particular religion on people of other religions under the pretext of practice is a gross violation of constitutional principles and religious freedom and is a hateful attempt that will be opposed with full force. We will fight against it according to the democratic system of the country.
JUH has appealed to the state government to hold discussions with the Muslim leadership on the issue of yoga practice and take it into confidence so that unnecessary controversy can be avoided. It has also urged the government to immediately withdraw the controversial order, as it will harm the democratic fabric of the country and raise questions about the slogan of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas”.
JUH has appealed to Muslims to protect the faith and belief of their new generations and not to succumb to any pressure in this regard. It reminded the community that the Constitution guarantees them complete freedom to pursue education while remaining steadfast in their religious faith and belief.
