New Delhi: The Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind hosted a large-scale “Save the Constitution” convention at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, aiming to safeguard the Indian Constitution and respond to issues such as the Waqf Amendment Bill, blasphemy laws, interference in personal laws, and challenges facing minorities and society at large. Over 100,000 participants collectively pledged to uphold constitutional values within the framework of Indian law.
Presided over by Maulana Arshad Madani, the event brought together intellectuals, social activists, scholars, and prominent religious leaders.
Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani, President of All India Muslim Personal Law Board, stressed the religious importance of Waqf properties, comparing them to essential acts of worship. He warned that the proposed Waqf amendments threaten mosques, madrasas, graveyards, and religious shrines, urging a committed defence of religious properties and identity.
Regarding recent derogatory remarks about the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, Maulana Rahmani demanded that the government declare such offences severe crimes. He urged legislation to protect all faiths from disrespect, underscoring that Islam strictly prohibits disparaging other religions and leaders.
TDP Vice President Nawab Jan announced his party’s opposition to the Waqf Amendment Bill, pledging that TDP leader Chandrababu Naidu would be at the forefront of resisting it. He reiterated TDP’s commitment to secularism and peace.
Supreme Court lawyer Fuzail Ayyubi also spoke, explaining the Bill’s violation of constitutional rights and religious freedom.
Maulana Arshad Madani highlighted the critical role religious scholars played in India’s freedom struggle. He emphasised that India’s essence lies in secularism, constitutional integrity, fraternity, and unity, particularly between Hindu and Muslim communities. He cautioned that any erosion of these values would harm the nation’s unity.
He also noted that if the Waqf Amendment Bill passes, allies of the ruling government like TDP and JDU would share responsibility, given their support.
Lauding Jamiat’s legal efforts, especially in Assam’s citizenship cases and its role in securing a stay on NCPCR’s recommendations affecting madrasas, Maulana Madani reaffirmed Jamiat’s commitment to justice.
In a resolution adopted at the end of the convention, the Jamiat rejected the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, arguing that the 2013 Waqf Act is adequate if implemented correctly. They demanded the government withdraw the proposed amendments.
In another resolution, the Jamiat asserted that India’s integrity depends on the preservation of constitutional rule. It called on justice-minded groups to oppose extremist forces politically and socially.
The convention also passed resolutions on the Uniform Civil Code, Islamic madrasas, and issues related to Palestine, all of which were adopted unanimously.
