On the eve of Moharram, Muslim leaders in the city are calling for a speedy resolution to the controversy that has racked the community in the past few weeks.
Muslim leaders call for harmony following controversial comments. Taran N Khan reports
On the eve of Moharram, Muslim leaders in the city are calling for a speedy resolution to the controversy that has racked the community in the past few weeks.
The controversy broke around comments made by preacher Zakir Naik at a recent conference. Muslim leaders feel that the issue may spark off sectarian clashes.
Moharram marks the anniversary of the battle of Karbala, which saw the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, grandson of prophet Mohammad, and his followers, through the forces of Yazid, ruler of Damascus. Naik referred to the Karbala battle as a “political war” and said "May Allah be pleased with him" after referring to Yazid.
The comments caused protests from different Muslim sects. “It is the same as praising a terrorist organisation,” says Fasil Kazmi, a banker.
“Naik cheapens the martyrdom of Imam Hussain by suggesting he fought for political gain.” Safdar Karmali, of Shia Khoja Jamaat, says, “He has hurt the sentiments of all Muslims, but is turning it into a Shia-Sunni issue.”
Naik has expressed regret at having hurt any Muslim sect. However, says Maulana Mehmood Daryabadi, Ulama Council, “He has not retracted his words. Instead he has tried to quote fatwas to prove he was correct. It seems he is intent on his statement.”
However, some feel too much is being made of a minor matter. Says Maulana Qasmi of the Markaz-ul- Maarif. “In the interests of the community, we should let the matter drop.
People who are fanning this issue into something big should exercise restraint.” Adds Shahid Rizvi, designer, “Moharram should be a time for remembering the sacrifice of Imam Hussain, not discussing the mistakes of Zakir Naik.”
k_taran@dnaindia.net
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