Top Muslim body opposes Vande Mataram recitation, BJP condemns

Deoband (UP)/New Delhi, Nov 3 (PTI) A top Muslim body
Tuesday asked members of the community not to recite 'Vande
Mataram' on the grounds that some verses of the national song
are against the tenets of Islam, sparking condemnation from
the BJP.

The Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind opposition to the recitation of
the song came when it supported seminary Darul Uloom's 'fatwa'
(edict) which opposes any prayer involving the song.
"The fatwa of Darul Uloom (opposing recitation of Vande
Mataram) is correct," said one of the 25 resolutions passed
today at its 30th general session in Deoband in the presence
of Union Home Minister P Chidambaram.
Darul Uloom's fatwa department had issued the edict in
2006 describing recitation of Vande Mataram as anti-Islamic.
Senior BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi said the resolution
is not acceptable and it is against Constitutional provisions.
"During the freedom struggle, it was a motivational song.
It should be sung by every patriot," he said
The resolution, which was adopted by over 10,000 clerics
from across the country, said, "The judgement of the Supreme
Court also clearly states that nobody can be compelled to sing
Vande Mataram."
"Patriotism does not require singing of Vande Mataram.
We love our country and have proved this several times, but
Vande Mataram violates our faith in monotheism that is the
foundation of Islam," the resolution said.
The BJP also seized on the approval of resolution to
attack Chidambaram saying his presence has legitimised
Jamiat's decision.
Its national vice president Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said the
presence of Chidambaram at the programme "gave legitimacy to
the resolution...it is a matter of concern." (MORE) PTI ZH
DDC


The information contained in this electronic message and any attachments to this
message are intended for the exclusive
use of the addressee(s) and may contain proprietary, confidential or privileged
information. If you are not the intended
recipient, you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail. Please
notify the sender immediately and destroy
all copies of this message and any attachments contained in it.