The debate on this issue has intensified after the Central Government directed to make it mandatory to sing all six verses of Vande Mataram in three minutes and 10 seconds in all constitutional programs, meetings, institutions and schools. In this sequence, Maulvi Arif, President of Madrasa Arabia Darul Uloom Rashidiya, Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind Uttarakhand, clarified the objection of the Muslim community.
Maulvi Arif said, “Objection regarding Vande Mataram is not a new topic, rather it is an old issue related to religious belief. In Islam, the principle of ‘Tawheed’ i.e. monotheism is paramount, under which only Allah can be worshipped.
He further said, “Our objection regarding Vande Mataram is not political but religious. In Islam, worship is of only one Allah. We love our country, want its progress, but cannot compromise with our beliefs. The country is dear to us, but it cannot be deified.”
Patriotism and religious belief separate
Maulvi Arif also said, “Muslim society loves the country and the contribution of the Ulemas in the freedom struggle cannot be forgotten. He said that the country is dear to us, but it cannot be worshiped. Prostration and worship are only for the creator, not for the creation.”
‘Contribution of Muslims in the freedom struggle’
Sajid Hasan, Madrasa Arabia Darul Uloom Rashidiya, Jwalapur, Haridwar were also present on this occasion. He said, “Muslim society has always stood with patriotism. Our elders have made sacrifices in the freedom struggle. But any step against religious beliefs can create uneasiness in the society. The government should take balanced decisions while respecting the sentiments of all religions.”
Sajid Hasan said that any decision should be reconsidered while respecting religious beliefs. This issue raises the question of balance between religious freedom and national pride. While on one hand the government wants to make Vande Mataram mandatory as the national anthem, the Muslim community says that it is against their religious beliefs. It remains to be seen what stance the government takes on this issue.