New Delhi [India], November 29 : Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) national spokesperson Vinod Bansal on Saturday criticised Maulana Mahmood Madani, president of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, for his remarks on the Supreme Court and the concept of jihad.
Speaking with ANI, Bansal alleged that Madani's statements were inciting and misleading, and called for strict action against him.
"If a leader like Maulana Madani, who is considered ideal by the Muslim community, calls all Muslims 'jihadi', calls all Muslims a community which is a victim of atrocities and calls upon all Muslims to do 'jihad', who calls all non-Muslims 'murda' - I would like to ask him (Madani) if all freedom fighters and army jawans are 'murda kaum'. He has questioned the Supreme Court, too. He has said that the Supreme Court should be supreme and should also do supreme work. Will he give them a certificate for the same? This is the height of 'jihad'," Bansal told ANI.
The VHP leader further alleged that Madani's statements amounted to incitement, misguiding Muslim youth and promoting hostility.
"He (Madani) has instigated and misguided Muslim youth; he has attempted to push them on the path of terrorism. Strict action should be taken. I would say to the Muslim community that they should decide whether such instigating leadership is acceptable to them," Bansal added.
Madani, speaking at the National Governing Body meeting in Bhopal, expressed concerns about the country's judicial and social conditions, questioning the judiciary's independence.
"With his remark, Madani has raised serious allegations against the country's judicial system, governance and administration. Such remarks are not acceptable at all in a civilised society or in a country that follows the constitution. Strict action should be taken against him," the VHP leader added.
Madani questioned the independence of the judiciary, citing cases like Babri Masjid and triple talaq. He stated that the Supreme Court should be considered "supreme" only if it upholds the Constitution and the law.
"After the verdict on Babri Masjid, triple talaq and several other matters, it seems that courts are functioning under the Government's pressure for a few years now...We have several instances before that have raised questions on the character of courts. The Supreme Court is eligible to be called supreme only when it follows the Constitution and when it upholds the law. If it doesn't do that, it doesn't deserve to be called 'Supreme'," Madani said.
The Jamiat president further said, "Enemies of Islam and Muslims have made 'jihad' a synonym of abuse, conflict and violence. Terms like Love jihad, Land jihad, 'Taleem' Jihad, 'Thook' Jihad are used to insult the faith of Muslims. It is unfortunate that responsible people in government and media feel no shame in using such terms...In Islam, 'jihad' has been used in the Quran in several respects. It has been used in the sense of one's duties, and the welfare of society and humanity. When it has been used for war, it has been used in the sense of finishing off oppression and violence. Isliye jab jab zulm hoga tab tab jihad hoga."
"...Murda kaum do not get involved in difficulties. They surrender. They will be told to recite Vande Mataram and they will begin doing so at once. That is the sign of a 'murda kaum'. If it is 'zinda kaum', morale will have to be boosted and the situation will have to be met head-on," he added.