Muslim intellectuals, scholars join chorus against triple talaq

New Delhi, May 17: The chorus against 'triple talaq' is growing as Muslim intellectuals and scholars have now urged the All India Muslim Personal Law Board to take corrective measures to stop and prevent its misuse.

The 'triple talaq' -- pronouncing 'talaq' thrice in one instance to divorce wife -- is being exploited and misused by some undesirable elements for their own interests and this needs to be checked by the AIMPLB as it is getting a bad name for the community, the scholars and intellectuals said at a conference organised by the All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat here on Monday night.

Islamic scholar professor Akhtarul Wasey headed the campaign and stated that time has come for religious leaders to evolve a consensus on this critical issue.

He was fully supported by Tasleem Rehmani of Muslim Political Council of India.

Senior advocate Shahrukh and several others, including media persons, demanded that the board should relook at this issue and evolve consensus.They also demanded codification of Islamic law.

Rahmani said that AIMPLB is not a statutory body, but a non-governmental organisation.

The conference, headed by All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat president Navaid Hamid, was attended by over dozen AIMPLB members.

Jamiat Ahle Hadees chief Maulana Asghar Ali Imam Mahdi Salafi, Jamaat-e-Islami leader Maulana Mahmood Madni and Maulana Tauqeer Raza of Barelvi sect and others were also present.

Most of the speakers said that misuse of triple talaq should be stopped and religious leaders and priests through sermons should create mass awareness among Muslims against this menace.

Hamid said the Mushawarat is ready to help the AIMPLB to initiate dialogue on this issue with those Islamic scholars and leaders who are not members of the board. It is time for the board leaders to hear their voice.

Maulana Junaid Banarasi, Maulana Ataur Rehman Qasmi, Uzma Naheed from Mumbai and Asma Zahra from Hyderabad also expressed their view on the sensitive issue.

Zahra said that triple talaq is a stigma. However, she forcefully said that AIMPLB is doing a good job to present Islam in its true perspective. She accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government of trying to interfere in Muslim personal law.

The Mushawarat strongly pleaded for setting up Darul Qaza (Islamic courts} to provide quick relief to Muslims on the Sharia issue. This is the best way to help the community and the board must take immediate steps in this regard, he said.

Noted Islamic law expert Tahir Mahmood has already demanded ban on triple talaq, saying it does not adhere to Islamic procedure. He has been critical of the board on this issue.

In his message to organisers of the meeting, board president Maulana Rabey Hasani Nadvi said it is essential to have broad-based dialogue on this sensitive matter.

Several verdicts have been given by courts against Sharia law, which is a serious matter, he said. He, however, stated that it is Muslims who approach the court against certain Sharia laws.

Top Muslim cleric Maulana Salim Qasmi also expressed hope that Muslims would be able to overcome differences on certain critical issues.

IANS