Muslim leaders regretted that the NDA’s allies have failed to uphold their responsibilities and supported the BJP’s communal agenda
Andalib Akhter / New Delhi
While strongly condemning the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Uttarakhand, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) along with other Muslim religious and community organisations have decided to launch a Nationwide Movement against the new law. Muslim leaders also rejected the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on Waqf recommendation saying it has violated all democratic and ethical values and suppressed the constitutional rights.
The recommendation to approve the bill, ignoring the views and sentiments of millions of people, as well as rejecting the proposals from opposition members, is unreasonable, undemocratic, and an infringement on the rights of Muslims.
Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani
In a joint statement Muslim bodies and leaders said that the UCC law in Uttarakhand is undemocratic, unconstitutional and an assault on the fundamental rights of citizens. Therefore, it is absolutely unacceptable to us. The Constitution of the country guarantees all citizens, including Muslims, the freedom to practice their religious beliefs and follow religious teachings. Muslim personal law is an integral part of Islam, which is protected under the Shariat Application Act, 1937. Moreover, no state has a right to implement a Uniform Civil Code. The AIMPLB had decided in its Bengaluru meeting that this law will be challenged in court. Last July, in a joint press conference, leaders of Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians, Buddhists, Dalits, and Adivasi communities made it clear that they would never accept the UCC under any circumstances. We appeal to the Muslims and other citizens of Uttarakhand not to get panicked and not to compromise on their religious and laws. “Inshallah, we will oppose this at every level within the democratic framework” says AIMPLB in a statement.
The Muslim Personal Law Board and all Muslim organisations have repeatedly clarified that they will never allow manipulate and usurp of Waqf properties. The Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 has been completely rejected by Muslims. The JPC has shown blatant disregard for parliamentary rules and boundaries, conducting its proceedings while disregarding all democratic values and traditions. The Muslim Personal Law Board and all Muslim organisations presented their position to the JPC both in writing and verbally, and Muslims also sent emails opposing the billin millions. On the initiative of the Board, 36.6 million emails were sent, and other Muslim organisations also submitted their opinions to JPC opposing the Bill.
In the Bengaluru meeting, all Muslim organizations jointly made it clear that they will not allow anyone to plan to seize or destroy their places of worship and other Waqf properties. The government should not test the patience of Muslims and should refrain from leading the country toward autocracy. The attempt to seize minority properties is sheer oppression, which no justice-loving people can accept. We regret that the NDA’s allied parties have failed to uphold their responsibilities and supported the BJP’s communal agenda. We appeal to the secular opposition parties to unite and strongly oppose this bill if it is presented in the Parliament. We demand that the government to withdraw this controversial amendment bill and retain the previous law. Otherwise, Muslims will have no option but to come on the street. To save Waqf properties, we will use all democratic and constitutional means, including a nationwide agitation movement. If neededwe may come on the streets or go to jail for this cause, we will not hesitate to do so.
Signatories
Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani
President, AIMPB Maulana Syed Arshad Madani
Vice President, AIMPB& President
Jamiat Ulama Hind
Maulana Asghar Ali Imam Mehdi Salfi
Vice President, AIMPB & President Jamiat
Ahle Hadith
Maulana Obaidullah Khan Azmi (Ex MP)
Vice President, AIMPB
Jb. Syed Sadatullah Husaini
Vice President, AIMPB & Ameer
Jamaat-e-Islami Hind
Maulana Mohammad Ali Mohsin Taqvi
Vice President, AIMPB
Maulana Mohd. Fazlur Rahim Mujaddidi
General Secretary,AIMPB Maulana Syed Mahmood Asad Madni
Member Executive Committee,
AIMPB& President Jamiat Ulama Hind
Maulana S. Bilal Abdul Hai Hasani Nadvi
Secretary, AIMPB
Maulana UmrainMahfooz Rahmani
Secretary, AIMPB
Maulana Dr. Yaseen Ali Usmani
Secretary, AIMPB Jb. Yusuf Hatim Muchhala
Member Executive Committee,
AIMPB & Convener, Legal Committee
Dr. SQR Ilyas
Spokesperson & Member Executive Committee AIMPB