by Sanjay Saxena
Lucknow: Once famous in Uttar Pradesh for bamboo furniture, Bareilly is now gaining notoriety due to some Muslim religious leaders’ absurd statements and communal mindset. There have been instances where pilgrims’ routes are blocked and assaulted, and discussions on religious conversion programs. Recently, a new controversy has arisen from the demand for a ‘Prophet of Islam Bill’. On the first day of the 106th Urs of Ala Hazrat, a meeting was held at the headquarters of All India Muslim Jamaat, where scholars and intellectuals from various states discussed issues affecting Muslims and prepared a Muslim agenda. They also demanded the implementation of the Prophet of Islam Bill by the government.
During this event, Maulana Shahabuddin Rzavi Bareilvi presented the views and perspectives of all attending Maulanas to the public, warning the government and political parties that often someone insults the Prophet of Islam, yet everyone remains silent, and no action is taken. Therefore, the bill should be introduced in Parliament or legislative assemblies to ensure that no one insults the Prophet’s honor again. Muslim leaders argue that a law named after Prophet Muhammad should be enacted to impose strict punishment on those who commit blasphemy against Prophet Muhammad. They believe that this law would prevent derogatory comments against leaders and figures of all religions. Maulana also mentioned that the government could name the bill differently if desired, but the core demand is to have a strict law to act against those who insult the Prophet and commit blasphemy. The existing laws are deemed inadequate and weak, leading to incidents of communal violence.
The meeting also saw Maulana Shahabuddin Rzavi Bareilvi releasing a Muslim agenda, advising Muslims to focus on education, business, and family. He emphasized the need to curb social evils and open separate schools and colleges for girls. He warned the central and state governments that while Muslims are ready to make sacrifices for national unity and integrity, they cannot tolerate politics that spreads hatred between Hindus and Muslims. Muslims will not endure injustice and oppression for long, and the government and political parties need to address these issues seriously and change their conduct towards Muslims. Maulana supported the Waqf Amendment Bill, advocating that the maintenance and income from Waqf properties should be spent on poor and weaker Muslims. He opposed the Uniform Civil Code, stating that Indian Muslims are not ready to accept such laws. He condemned attacks on Hindu homes and temples during the Bangladesh coup and urged the governments of Pakistan and Afghanistan to prevent their territories from being used against India and to eradicate terrorism.
Maulana Shahabuddin Rzavi Bareilvi advised the Muslim community that while the education rate of Muslims has increased to some extent in 2023-2024, it is still unsatisfactory. Muslims should strive to educate their children in English medium schools and affluent Muslims should cover the school fees for poor children. Madrasas and mosques should offer education in Arabic, Urdu, Hindi, English, and computers. There should be equal inheritance rights for girls and boys. The system of collective Zakat should be established, and Muslims should adhere to the law. Maulana urged the central and state governments to work alongside Muslims for national unity and integrity. He criticized the lack of benefits from schemes meant for the upliftment of minorities and called for changes in their administration.
Maulana accused that Muslims are being intimidated and harassed under the pretexts of love jihad, mob lynching, religious conversion, terror funding, and terrorism. Action should be taken against organizations that are deceiving Muslim girls and promoting marriage campaigns. He argued that the Constitution permits minorities to establish their institutions without government interference. Maulana also highlighted that despite the 1991 Act maintaining the status quo of religious sites, several cases remain in court, disrupting the national atmosphere. He stressed that Muslims cannot tolerate insults to the Prophet of Islam and that the central government should introduce the Prophet of Islam Bill in Parliament. He reiterated that the Uniform Civil Code is unacceptable to Muslims.
Maulana Shahabuddin Rzavi Bareilvi advised political parties to stop using Muslims for their needs and votes, only to forget them after forming a government. He insisted that Muslims are not bound to any one political party and urged political parties and their leaders to stop treating Muslims as bonded labor.
