Muslims love India, but cannot say 'Bharat Mata ki Jai': Deoband Fatwa

Uttar Pradesh, April 1: The Uttar pradesh-based seminary Darul Uloom in Deoband has issued a fatwa against the chanting of the 'Bharat Mata ki Jai', citing the fact that Islam believes in a single God that does not have a form. Whereas in Hindu belief there are several Gods and Goddesses. Bharat Mata, for instance, is a personification.

"We love our country, but it is not our god. In Islam, we believe in only one God and hence it is against the faith of a Muslim to chant the slogan," said a board member.

Following a 2-day long deliberation in Darul Ifta, an 8-member panel of Islamic scholars from all over the country, the fatwa was passed.

It further said,"In the past too, a similar controversy emerged about the chanting of Vande Mataram in schools. That song was made mandatory for students. Now, Bharat Mata Ki Jai is being made compulsory. Both the issues are the same."

The statement further added,"India is without doubt our country. We and our ancestors were born here. We love our country, but we do not think it is our God."

The resolution justified its stance saying that the constitution of India guarantees the right to freedom of religion to all its citizens.

"No government or organisation can force such unlawful activities on other people if it contradicts their faith," it said.

OneIndia News