– Obaidur Rahman Nadwi

Meeting of AIMPLB was held  on February 5, 2023 at Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama, Lucknow. The meeting was presided over by the Board’s president  Maulana S.M.Rabey Hasani Nadwi. Various deliberations were made on different issues including Uniform Civil Code, Law against conversion of religion, Worship Act of 1999 regarding religious places, mob lynching, increasing hate, establishment of Muslim religious institutions in the meeting.

Maulana S.M.Rabey Hasani Nadwi stated that the present scenario of the country is more critical and sensitive than the past. It is unfortunate that today our mutual differences turned into animosities. It is a matter of great concern. The need of the hour is that we must unite cutting across sectarian and ideological lines. It is obvious when we do so no one will defeat us.

Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani, General Secretary of the Board said the Board appealed to the government to respect the religious freedom of all  citizens regardless of religion caste, creed, color and region.

Generally speaking, under personal laws  different communities have their own respective distinctions and privileges. To nullify them would be an act of anti-democracy and secularism. In a big diversity and different religions, cultures and civilizations hub India, such things should not happen at any rate. If the parliament taking advantage of the majority  will  vehementally attempt to enact laws regarding Uniform Civil Code,  conversion laws and other anti- constitution issues. The unity and integrity of the country will be badly affected and hindrances will be created in the development of the country.

The Board urged the government to pay due attention towards the basic needs and fundamental issues of the citizens instead of implementation of such unnecessary laws. The Board expressed anguish  over religious conversion laws made by different states of the country. It vividly said that religion and dogma relate to belief and inner voice of the people.Adopting any religion is a natural right.

On the very basis it is considered to be legal and lawful in the constitution of India. Everyone is free to adopt any religion and spread it as one likes. Forcefully conversion and giving financial greed and assistance is not proper and appropriate.

Unfortunately,a delebrate conspiracy is being hatched to enact  such laws in some states whose purpose is to deprive them of their religious freedom. The Board also expressed concern over the illegal arrest of scores of innocent people regarding child marriage in Assam.

The Board expressed its concern in government’s interference in Muslim Waqf properties. It appealed to the government to  take stock of injustice meted out to the downtrodden and oppressed sections of the community and urged it to perform its duty honestly. For the court is the final ray of public hope. If it dwindles, it would be the greatest misfortune. It is the responsibility of the government to safeguard fundamental rights, equities, justice and religious freedom.

Similarly, the Board  regarding  the New Education Policy said in the past no any particular religion or culture is accorded due attention. Like this, introductions of heroes of various religions included in social science books of the syllabus and each period’s representative is given in the history but these facts  are missing in the New Education Policy. It is an unacceptable challenge for Muslims and minorities. The system of education in the country should be harmonious. It also urged the government to stop the venom of the increasing hate and not use it as  the tool for the political conflict. It is a grave peril for the country. If the brotherhood and fraternity end, the unity of the country will turn into shred. Lawlessness lead the society to anarchy and destruction. It is the law which makes the society civilized and get the oppressors stood in the scales of the balance. It appealed to the government to stop the bulldozer culture and not to convict anyone without any genuine proof of the crime. It is unfortunate that today  because of the negligence of the government a host of innocent people are languishing in various jails of the country.