On Tuesday, Deobandi organisation Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind asked members of the community not to sing Vande Mataram and supported the Darul Uloom opposing any recitation involving the song.
"The fatwa of Darul Uloom [opposing the recitation of Vande Mataram] is correct," said one of the 25 resolutions passed at its 30th general session, in the presence of Union home minister P Chidambaram. Darul Uloom issued the edict in 2006, describing the recitation of Vande Mataram as anti-Islamic.
The BJP was quick to attack the home minister, with party vice-president Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi accusing Chidambaram of providing legitimacy to the fatwa. The minister, however, claimed innocence. A statement issued by his office said he was not present in Deoband when the resolution was adopted.
Shiv Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray also hit out against the Jamiat-Ulema-e-Hind for issuing the fatwa, saying those who oppose the national song should go to Pakistan.
The fatwa drew mixed reactions from Muslim leaders, with one section voicing disapproval against the raising of a "dead issue" at a time when the community has more serious matters to address, and another noting that singing the Vande Mataram (or not) should not be the criteria to define patriotism.
Are people who choose not to sing India's national song unpatriotic? Or is it against the nature of democracy for leaders to lash out at those who peacefully express their opinion?
Readers' comments:
Its not about the song "Vande Mataram" itself, the issue is regarding the adamant attitude denying and opposing the song JUST because of the very fact that it is in Sanskrit (Language of Hindu-Kafir). And to cover-up thier messed-up thinking they have came up with the explanation that "Muslims can only LOVE the country but cant WORSHIP her, since ONLY ALLAH is to be worshiped". This is idiotically self destructive path they have chosen.
Sunday, November 8, 2009 20:32 IST
Vinay, Chicago
First let me tell you what Hinduism says about it... if you ask any scholar of the vedas, he will tell you that Vande mataram goes against the vedas also. Even a Hindu has to worship only one god and not anything else (Rig Veda 8:1:1, Yajurveda 32:3). Even a Hindu can't bow down to anything other than god. The problem is that most Hindus who are writing comments are not aware of their religion. As per Vedas, Hindus should worship only one God and bow to him alone. They can't bow to their mother also, who bore them in her womb for nine months. We Muslims love this country, and also willing to die for this country for the truth, but we can't bow down to this country. Allah the almighty God is far superior than this country who created our country and made us citizens of this country.
Sunday, November 8, 2009 12:57 IST
Kaukab, KSA
Definitely, those who refuse to sing our national song are unpatriotic and their loyalty belongs to some other county, including our enemy countries. This is the result of our pampering the Muslim minority for vote-bank politics. The anti-Vande Matharam resolution was adopted right in front of Chidambaram, Sachin pilot and Sitaram Yechury. Now all of them pretend that they did not know this at that time! These headless chickens failed to stop the clerics from passing this anti-national resolution. And what about educated, "nationalist" Muslims, including journalists? How many of them have criticised the Deoband seminary for passing these resolution? Those who are not ready sing, respect our national song and anthem and our national flag and emblem, should be kicked out of this country lock, stock and barrel. Sena chief Thackeray is fully right in this case.
Saturday, November 7, 2009 11:08 IST
laxmi, mumbai
When we say it is a national song, it should be seen that it is made for all the nationals of the country. It should not be biased to only one sect/ religion. So it does not qualify to be a national song. We don't have problems with "Saare jahaan se achaa Hindustan hamara..". This is also a patriotic song and every national can sing it without being hurt. It is not mere lip service, a national song should be sung from the heart. I dont know why patriotism is questioned here?
Friday, November 6, 2009 18:26 IST
Indian, Bangalore
What else will make you look patriotic, even if you cannot sing the national song? Can a person who does not believe in national symbols be patriotic? The question asked here is itself stupid. Draw a line somewhere when asking questions.
Friday, November 6, 2009 14:43 IST
Amit , Bangalore
