New Delhi: Jamiat Ulama e Hind president Maulana Mehmood Madani said it is wrong to expect any mainstream political party to take up only Muslim issues. He said parties must address national concerns. He also questioned the Congress party’s current capacity. He said the party is unable to raise its own issues, so expecting it to speak for others does not reflect political reality.
His remarks followed a dispute over his earlier comments on jihad. His statement sparked objections from BJP leaders and some Muslim community voices. Madani clarified his position. He said the term jihad is pious in Islam. He said government agencies use the word in a negative sense whenever an issue related to Muslims appears in public debate. He said this practice harms public understanding of Islam and the teachings of the faith.
Madani said his remarks were misunderstood. He said he accepts responsibility for any confusion. He said listeners should consider the full context. He explained that he spoke of three meanings of jihad in India. He said the highest form of jihad is self improvement through clarity of purpose. He added that speaking against injustice is also a form of jihad.
He said the community needs informed engagement with national politics. He stressed that Muslim issues must be placed in wider policy discussions. He also said political parties respond to organised and consistent civic action. His comments point to the need for stronger representation strategies within democratic platforms.
