New Delhi: Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind President Maulana Mahmood Madani has criticised remarks by RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale suggesting Muslims worship natural elements such as the sun, rivers, and trees. Madani said such statements reflect a lack of understanding of Islam and its core beliefs, despite centuries of shared history between Hindus and Muslims in India.
Madani said Muslim belief in monotheism remains clear and well known. He expressed regret that senior figures in the RSS, including educated leaders, have made no serious effort to understand Islamic faith and practices. He said inviting Muslims to worship anything besides God contradicts the basic principles of Islam.
He explained Tawheed, the belief in one God, and Risalah, belief in prophethood, form the foundation of Islam. Any deviation from these principles removes a person from the fold of the faith. Madani added that loving the land and protecting nature differ from worshipping them. He said confusing these ideas shows a failure to grasp basic religious distinctions.
Madani stressed that national progress and development depend on strong communal harmony and unity. He called for serious dialogue, mutual respect, and concrete steps to safeguard constitutional values. He said such efforts remain essential for India’s growth as a developed nation.
He said Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind has consistently worked for goodwill and dialogue. He recalled earlier discussions with former RSS leaders and said the organisation remains open to engagement even now. He expressed concern over what he described as an aggressive and provocative approach by some Sangh office-bearers, including attempts to impose religious practices on others.
Madani said India’s nationhood rests on the homeland and its people, regardless of religion. Quoting Dr B R Ambedkar, he said India has multiple cultures, and no single culture or community defines nationalism.
