By Rehan Ansari, TwoCircles.net,
Mumbai: With the capacity of lacs of people, Azad Maidan looked short of space on Sunday when All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) held its public meeting against some laws which the board thinks can interfere in the Shariaht.
Members of AIMPLB were in Mumbai for its 22nd Annual Conference. At an impressive gathering every speaker condemned the Congress led UPA government for its arrogance and the proposed laws which they termed as an infringement of Muslim Personal law and unconstitutional.
People with banners entering Azad Maidan
Right to Education- RTE, Direct Tax Code and Waqf Act 2010, these are the three acts which according to the board are depriving Muslims of their Constitutional Rights.
Maulana Rabe Hasni Nadvi, President of AIMPLB appreciated the crowd gathered in Azad Maidan and said, “India is a democratic and secular country. Our constitution guarantees right to religion and I have the right to practice my religion.” Few people are trying to alter democratic and secular nature of our country which is unacceptable, he added. He termed intrusion in Shariat as unconstitutional and against the secular fabric of our country.
Maulana Kalbe Sadique, Vice president of AIMPLB
He said, “We can die but can’t tolerate interference in Shraiat. We will exploit all the democratic and legal means to oppose any move that deprived Muslims of their Personal laws.”
Maulana Kalbe Sadiq, Vice President of AIMPLB, who is known for his anti reservation stands, criticized the arrests and detention of Muslim Youths. He said, “Muslims got the reservations for going in Jail, for terror tags.” He said, “Excellence can bring reservations automatically.”
Maulana Jalaluddin Umri, Vice President of AIMPLB.
He demanded the amendments in all these laws or face agitation.
Answering a typical question why 1400 years old Islamic Principles can’t be changed, Maulana Jalaluddin Umri, President of Jammat-e-Islami Hind said, “Islamic Laws are made by Allah who knows everything and who is just for everyone. He said these laws are according to human nature through which he gets peace and solace.”
People in support of Muslim Personal law Board gathering at Azad Maidan
Muslims must practice Islam in their day to day life, in their family that can help people of India to understand Islam, Maulana Jalaluddin said.
Member of Parliament and columnist, Maulana Asrarul Haque Qasmi said, “Muslims can’t be thrown out of this country and India can’t be Spain.” Muslims have sacrificed for Freedom and played an important role in the construction of India. Our constitution not only guarantees the freedom of Religion but encourages it, said Qasmi.
Audience of the Muslim personal law board offering Maghrib prayer in Azad Maidan
We will oppose anything against Muslim personal law either enacted by the Parliament or Supreme Court observations, he added.