New Delhi: Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind General Secretary Maulana Mohammad Hakimuddin Qasmi has expressed deep concern over the circular issued by the Union Home Ministry regarding ‘Vande Mataram’. Describing it as contrary to the right to religious freedom granted by the Constitution, he said that this step affects the fundamental rights granted under Article 25.
Maulana Qasmi said in a statement that the Indian Constitution gives every citizen the right to practice, propagate his religion and live according to his beliefs. In such a situation, forcing a citizen to recite any particular poem or verse against his religious beliefs is against the spirit of the Constitution.
“Islamic faith based on Tawhid”
He said that the text of ‘Vande Mataram’, especially the fourth and fifth stanzas, mentions idol worship and some Hindu deities. The Islamic faith is based on tawhid (monotheism), according to which a Muslim cannot worship or worship anyone else except Allah. He clarified that for this reason Muslims cannot be a part of any lesson which includes the element of worship.
However, Maulana Qasmi also said that Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind is not against the poem ‘Vande Mataram’, if people of the majority religion want to recite it, they have every right to do so. We have no objection to them. But making it mandatory for all citizens or forcing children to read it in schools would amount to interference in religious freedom.
“Decision against religious freedom not acceptable”
He further said that India is a pluralistic country, where people of different religions and cultures live together. The principle of supremacy of the Constitution and unity in diversity is the foundation of national unity. Any step that weakens this foundation cannot be in the national interest.
The general secretary of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind said that the Muslims of India will not accept any decision against religious freedom. He demanded from the Central Government to immediately review the related circular keeping in mind the constitutional provisions, judicial traditions and social diversity of the country, so that religious freedom, constitutional dignity and social harmony can be maintained.
On the issue of patriotism, he said, “Love for the country is our religious requirement. We love our country and will continue to do so. But no word or expression can be accepted which comes in the category of worship and which is against our religious beliefs. Our Constitution is the foundation on which this country stands as a strong and transparent system.”
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