Madrassas are centres of humanism, says Muslim body

MUMBAI: A Muslim organisation on Saturday asserted that madrassas were the centres for teaching humanism and not a breeding ground for terrorism as assumed by certain people.

"Humanism is taught in madrassas and anyone who wanted to take a check, was welcome anytime. They were not afraid as they had nothing to hide," All India Madaris Board President Maulana M Yaqoob said here.

The board controls several madrassas (religious schools) across the country.
   
"India is our country, our heritage. We belong here and have not come here as guests. We love our country just like every Indian," he said.
   
He said Muslims should be treated as equals before the law as envisaged in the Constitution.

"Those responsible for the Babri Masjid demolition have not been punished while ones involved in the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts are facing even death sentence," Yaqoob observed.

"Those involved in heinous acts should be prosecuted but only after proper investigation. Action should not be taken on the basis of religion of a person."
   
Talking about the 9/11 terror attacks in the US, Yaqoob asked, "has anyone tried to analyse why there is terrorism? If people constantly face injustice, even the innocent and the poor will rebel."