Muslim Leader's Explosive Comments Spark Political Firestorm
In a dramatic escalation of tensions between religious groups and institutions, Maulana Mahmood Madani, the prominent head of Jamiat-Ulama-i-Hind, launched a sharp critique against both the Supreme Court and the government on Saturday, accusing them of systematically undermining minority rights in India.
Judiciary Under Government Pressure?
Addressing a meeting of the national governing body of the influential Deobandi scholars' organization, Madani expressed deep concern over recent judicial outcomes. He specifically pointed to verdicts in the Babri Masjid and triple talaq cases as evidence that the judiciary might be functioning "under government pressure."
"Supreme Court is entitled to be called 'supreme' only as long as it upholds the Constitution and the rights enshrined in law; otherwise, it loses moral legitimacy," Madani declared during his address in Bhopal.
Clarifying Jihad and Constitutional Loyalty
The Muslim leader dedicated significant portion of his speech to addressing what he called misconceptions about jihad. He described it as a "noble duty" aimed at "eliminating injustice, protecting humanity and establishing peace."
"Wherever oppression takes place, there will be jihad," Madani asserted, while immediately clarifying that "India, being a democratic and secular nation, is not an Islamic state; hence any debate about physical jihad here has no relevance."
He emphasized that armed struggle is sanctioned only to prevent oppression and disorder under specific conditions, adding that "jihad is not an individual or private undertaking" and requires authorization from legitimate state authority according to Islamic jurisprudence.
Madani also reiterated the Muslim community's longstanding opposition to singing Vande Mataram, the national song, while affirming that Muslims remain constitutionally bound citizens.
BJP's Furious Response
The reaction from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party was swift and uncompromising. Party spokesperson Sambit Patra condemned Madani's statements as inflammatory and divisive.
"'Whenever there is oppression, jihad will be waged' is an extremely inappropriate remark as terror and violence have been inflicted not only on India but across the world in the name of jihad," Patra stated.
Regarding Madani's comments about the Supreme Court, the BJP spokesperson said: "His statement that Supreme Court has no right to call itself supreme is extremely unfortunate and completely unacceptable." He further suggested that the apex court could take suo motu cognizance of these remarks.
On the Vande Mataram issue, Patra emphasized that "Vande Mataram is not a symbol of any religion but the fragrance of India's soil and the voice of its soul." He accused Madani of pushing a divisive agenda, particularly significant as the government celebrates the 150th anniversary of the national song.
The controversy emerges amid ongoing tensions within the Muslim community, with Madani's uncle Arshad Madani recently alleging persecution of Muslims following the Red Fort blast investigation and arrests connected to Al-Falah University.
