Topic started by b (@ 202.9.166.33) on Wed Mar 17 16:55:32 EST 2004.
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Fatwa issued for singing Vande Mataram

March 10, 2004

Agra: Fifty-four pro-BJP Muslims were excommunicated and their marriages nullified by a local Mufti after they reportedly expressed the view that singing of national song Vande Mataram was not un-Islamic, a fatwa which has sent ripples in the community here.

While issuing the fatwa, Mufti Abdul Quddus Rumi declared that singing of the national song "would lead them (Muslims) to hell."

It was wrong for Muslims to sing Vande Mataram, the Mufti said, adding those advocating the song were deviating from the religion.

The fatwa also nullifies the wedding of those excommunicated.

Muslims who made statements in favour of the national song should offer prayers to renew their faith in Islam and remarry according to Islamic rites, he said.

Among those excommunicated were Mutwallis (masjid heads) of the Loha Mandi and Shaheed Nagar mosques, where a group of pro-BJP Muslims had said that the song praised the motherland and did not mask any religious sentiments.

Of the 54 persons who were excommunicated, 13 had asked for forgiveness.

www.mid-day.com/news/nati.../78337.htm

Responses:

• From: b (@ 202.9.166.33) on: Wed Mar 17 16:56:44 EST 2004
  
  The expelled Muslims, at least 54 of them, also include the Mutwallis (masjid heads) of the Loha Mandi and Shaheed Nagar mosques where these Muslims had held their Friday meetings. According to the information available, a group of Muslims had reportedly expressed their patriotic sentiments in a meeting at the Loha Mandi mosque on Friday by declaring that ‘Vande Mataram’ is a song written purely in the praise of the motherland and it doesn't mask any religious sentiments.
  
  They also reportedly urged fellow Muslims to support the BJP in the coming parliamentary elections claiming it to be the only party thinking about the welfare of the Muslims.
  
  The statement invited a heated debate on the issue of the religious implications of singing ‘Vande Mataram’ among the Muslims and some of the religious leaders sought Mufti Rumi's advice. Mufti promptly issued a fatwa expelling 54 from Islam while declaring that the song will lead Muslims to hell. He said that by advocating the song, these people are deviating from the path shown by Prophet Mohammad so they may leave Islam too.
  
  He also said that if any of the expelled people wish to revert to Islam, they will have to cleanse their soul of the ``unclean'' thoughts and re-marry according to Islam as their marriages were being declared null and void with immediate effect.
  
  Reacting, UP Suni Waqf Committee chairman Dr Siraj Qureshi said the national song is indeed a way to praise the motherland and that the country is over and above religion. He suggested that the song be translated into Urdu and Arabic for the clerics to find out for themselves that it doesn't preach religion in any way.
  
  President of the Islamia, Agra, Nuruddin said the fatwa is in direct violation of the fundamental rights of Muslims.
  
  Disagreeing, local cleric Malik Azim said the issue was being raised by the BJP in its political interest and the party has misguided those Muslims who believe that ‘Vande Mataram’ is not linked to religion. He said these misguided Muslims should ponder over the real meaning behind this "cleverly composed'' religious hymn.
  
  
  
• From: bharath (@ 202.9.166.33) on: Wed Mar 17 16:58:00 EST 2004
  
  It is delightful to learn that at least 54 courageous Indian stood up for their motherland against the evil minded Islamic demagouges. In a true secular spiritualistic society like India, the "Vande Mataram" hymn is not only sacred but scientifically progressive expression of a honest citizen of the land. Therefore, we, hindus should extend all our resources to those brave souls for their psychological support. Let us help them to infuse nationalism in their heart.
  
  I think it is better to let them realise about their relation of this Punya-bhoomi through their own intellects.
  
  

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