ISIS is 'anti-Islam', says Lucknow Imam

Lucknow, Jul 7: In the backdrop of terror strikes by radical groups in Bangladesh, a prominent city-based Islamic cleric today dubbed ISIS as "anti-Islam" and said those connected to it cannot be called Muslims.

Imam of the Aishbagh Eidgah Maulana Rashid Farangi Mahali said some "communal" leaders were "spreading venom" against Muslims and demanded that stern action be taken against them.

Decrying the militant attacks in Dhaka and Medina, he asserted, "ISIS is an anti-Islam and anti-human outfit. People connected to the ISIS cannot be called Muslims and terror-related activities are completely anti-Islam."

Three people were killed today by radical Islamists in a terror strike at the biggest Eid gathering in Bangladesh's Sholakia, nearly a week after the deadly attack on a Dhaka cafe that left 22 people dead.

Multiple attacks were carried out in Saudi Arabia, including one in Medina, on Monday. Farangi has appealed to the United Nations (UN) to identify those behind such conspiracies.

Addressing people on Eid-ul-Fitr, the Imam offered special prayers seeking end of terrorism in the country and abroad and said the festival brings the message of happiness and peace.

On women being allowed to offer prayers at the Aishbagh Eidgah for the first time, the Imam said, "Special arrangements were made for women to separately offer 'namaaz' at the Eidgah.

The main objective was to give the message that the religion of Islam bestows equal rights on men and women."

Hoping that the move would work as a precedent, he said, "At least on Eid, special arrangements should be made for women to offer 'namaaz' at Eidgahs in the country."

Amid debate on implementation of Uniform Civil Code in the country, Farangi, a member of the All-India Muslim Personal Law Board, emphasised on following the Muslim Personal Law.

PTI