Bihar Governor Arif Mohammed Khan has publicly criticized the recent comments made by Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind (Mahmood Madani faction) chief Maulana Mahmood Madni regarding the concept of jihad. The Governor stated that such remarks are "unwarranted" and could foster a sense of insecurity within society.
Governor Khan's Strong Disapproval
The controversy erupted days after Madni's public statements on jihad. On Thursday, December 5, 2025, Governor Khan added his voice to a growing number of dissenting opinions within the Muslim community. He made his comments while attending the Rashtriya Ekta Yatra in Gujarat's Narmada district.
Khan explicitly stated that "the speech that Madni has given in public is not right." He highlighted a critical contradiction in Madni's position, noting his association with one of the nation's largest madrasas.
The Core of the Controversy: Duality in Teaching
Governor Khan elaborated on the problematic nature of the remarks by explaining the traditional and a potentially distorted interpretation of jihad. "The meaning of jihad in Islamic preaching is to fight against persecution, and that can be anyone facing the torment," he clarified.
However, he expressed deep concern over what he described as a dual narrative. "But, in the madrassa, they are teaching that if you belong to another religion, I will invite you to my religion or, if they don't, then wage war... there is duality in what Madni is saying and I see that's a problem," Khan asserted.
Warning Against Impact on Young Minds
The Governor issued a stern warning about the long-term impact of such teachings on children. He emphasized that while Islamic texts are available in madrassas, the interpretation presented to young students is crucial.
"The book of Islamic preachings is available in the madrassa, but if you fill in the minds of small children that you must have everyone come into your religion, and if they do not, you must fight them, it will create insecurity," Khan cautioned. This statement underscores his primary fear that such rhetoric could sow seeds of discord and fear among communities.
By joining the critique, Bihar Governor Arif Mohammed Khan has amplified a significant internal debate within the Indian Muslim community regarding religious discourse and its social ramifications. His intervention brings a constitutional perspective to the issue, stressing the importance of teachings that promote harmony rather than division.
