No fatwa issued in regard to Vande Mataram: Darul Uloom

Deoband, Sep 4 (UNI) The Darul Uloom Deoband -- a leading centre of Islamic learning, today categorically stated that it had not issued any fatwa (decree) on Vande Mataram and nor directed Muslim children to skip classes on September 7 to protest against its mandatory recitation in the BJP-ruled states.

Accusing ''communal forces'' of maligning the 130-year-old Islamic institution, Mohatamim (Rector) Maulana Margoobur Rehman said that it had neither issued any fatwa nor appeal on this issue after the Human Resource Development Ministry(HRD) issued a directive to all schools to recite the national song on September 7 which marks the centenary of the song.

''The Darul Uloom is being unneccesarily dragged into the Vande Mataram controversy,'' he said, adding that Muslims are true patriots and there was no need to questions their patriotism.

Terming it unfair to target the ulema of the Darul Uloom, Deoband without ascertaining facts on the issue, the Maulana said they did not wish to be party to any ''political controversy.'' ''Ours is purely religious centre, concentrating on the teachings of Islam, which also supports peace and harmony,'' he added.

On the issue that taking of life insurance policy by a Muslim is 'Unislamic act', he said the Darul Uloom has not issued any decree, but given its comments in the light of Islamic law.

''The fatwa cannot be forcibly implemented,'' he noted.

UNI XC-SMA VD RS1522