India Tomorrow
LUCKNOW–Calling for proper implementation of the `Places of Worship Act’, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) cautioned against implementing Uniform Civil Code saying it will deprive citizens of the privileges provided by Personal Laws.
A meeting of the Executive Committee of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board was presided over by Maulana Rabey Hasan Nadwi at Darul Uloom Nadwat ul Ulama on Sunday.
The meeting discussed issues and cases related to Muslim Personal Laws which saw the participation of prominent members, including MI. Syed Mohd. Rabey Hasni Nadwi, MI. Arshad Madni, MI. Fakhruddin Ashraf, Prof. Syed Ali Naqvi, MI. Khalid Saif Ullah Rahmani, Gen. Secretary, MI. Asghar Ali Imam Mehdi, MI. Fazlur Raheem Mujadadi, MI. Mahmood Madni, MI. Sajjad Nomani, MI. Mustafa Rifai Jeelani, Asad Uddin Owaisi, MI. Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahli, MI. Wali Faisal Rahmani, Qasim Rasool Ilyas, Kamal Farooqui, Yusuf Hatim Machala Advocate, MI. Syed Bilal Hasni Nadwi, MI. Ateeq Ahmad Bastavi, Shamshad Ahmad Advocate, Tahir Hakeem Advocate, Dr. Monisa Bushra.
The meeting passed several resolutions and urged the government to reassure the minorities
“Implementing a Uniform Civil Code will deprive citizens of the privileges provided to them by Personal Laws and that is against the spirit of the Constitution. Such a Code is neither relevant nor beneficial for a multi-religious, multi-cultural, and multi-lingual country like India. If taking advantage of its majority in Parliament, the ruling government passes and puts into effect the Uniform Civil Code, it will affect the unity and harmony that bind the nation. It will hinder the country’s progress and will not bear any fruitful results either. This meeting of the Board, which represents Muslims and their various schools of thought, appeals to the government not to pursue this agenda. Instead, they should focus on the live and present issues the country is facing,” the board said.
“Places of Worship Act 1991 was established by the Government of India after being passed in the Parliament, hence, the Government of India must ensure its proper implementation. It is in the national interest. Otherwise, it could lead to endless differences among various religious groups. The government must not surrender to the separatist powers and should responsibly safeguard the legal interests of all.”
Expressing concern over growing `lawlessness in the country’, AIMPLB issued an appeal to the highest authorities to use stringent measures to control the hatred and promote harmony.
“An appeal to the highest authorities to put in place stringent measures to control hatred that was being spread across the country before irreparable damage is done to the fabric of our nation’s harmony. Members reiterated that for centuries India has thrived on the strength of integrity among its population which comprises innumerable religions, castes, and factions, upholding thus the values vested in our Constitution. Discord being created is opposed to the path of unity and inclusiveness that was followed by our freedom fighters and makers of the Constitution, the members deliberated,” the resolution said.
The Board asked the authorities to bring all despots and trouble-makers to justice. “ Law is a ray of hope for justice. Lawlessness steeps society into anarchy. Thus, whether the ruler or public, minorities or those in the majority, the incumbent government or the opposition, affluent or the impoverished, it is mandatory for all to follow the rule of law and not take the law into their hands. Unfortunately, lawlessness is prevailing in the country and the attempt is to implicate the accused even before the prosecution and litigation take their course. Houses built for decades are getting razed. Those holding peaceful demonstrations are framed under the most stringent of laws and put behind the bars indefinitely. Lawlessness, whether on the part of the citizens or the rulers, is condemnable and all citizens and stakeholders must oppose it strongly,” it said.
AIMPLB said the tenets of equality, justice, and freedom enshrined in the Constitution are to be safeguarded responsibly by the government and the judiciary. “Hence, it is an appeal to the judiciary to take serious note of injustice being meted out to the weaker sections of the society and the minorities and thus fulfill their responsibility. The judiciary is the last hope for the public. No bigger misfortune can there be than disappointment on this front,” it said.
The board said it is important to use Waqfs for the welfare of the Muslim community. The AIMPLB strongly opposed statements by some public representatives instigating action to deprive Muslims of their waqf properties and appeals to the government to beware of such actions. The Board advises Muslims to take the best and most responsible care of waqf properties. They are also advised to use the waqf properties as much as possible for educational purposes.
The board said Islam means surrender to God, thus, it is the basic duty of all Muslims to follow religion and its beliefs by the book. “Justice should be meted out to the women of the community, best care given to elders and there should be abstinence from ostentatious expenses at weddings. Muslims should resolve their issues by turning first to religious heads for advice. Intoxication, adultery, interest in homosexuality, and continuing to live with a divorced spouse are practices that do,” it said.
