The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has announced a nationwide campaign against what it describes as the growing social and political marginalisation of Muslims, as well as the demolition of mosques and madrasas across the country.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the Board’s Executive Committee held on Monday under the chairmanship of AIMPLB President Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani. The Board has constituted an Action Committee to coordinate with civil society groups and other democratic and peace-loving sections of society to take the campaign forward.
According to a statement issued after the meeting, the campaign will seek to highlight concerns over rising communal hostility, the weakening of communal harmony, and alleged attacks on the life, property, honour and dignity of Muslims.
The Executive Committee also voiced its opposition to the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in various states, arguing that such measures are contrary to the religious freedom guaranteed under Article 25 of the Constitution. The Board noted that after Uttarakhand and Gujarat, preparations are underway to implement similar laws in Assam, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.
Reiterating its legal challenge to the UCC, the AIMPLB said it has already approached the Nainital High Court against the Uttarakhand law and will pursue legal action against similar legislation enacted in other states.
The Board also expressed concern over attempts to make Vande Mataram compulsory. It stated that any move by the Central Government to mandate the song for all citizens or school students would be challenged in court.
Welcoming the interim order of the Calcutta High Court that stayed a West Bengal government directive requiring the singing of Vande Mataram in schools and madrasas, the Board maintained that certain portions of the song are incompatible with the Islamic belief in Tawhid, or the oneness of God, and therefore cannot be accepted under Islamic law.
The AIMPLB appealed to Muslims not to compromise on matters of faith and belief in the name of tolerance or patriotism.
As part of the campaign, the Board also decided to prepare and publish a comprehensive report on what it described as the deteriorating condition of the Muslim community, rising communal tensions, and violations of fundamental rights. The report, it said, would aim to draw the attention of citizens committed to justice, democracy and constitutional values.
