Lucknow Eidgah Imam Maulana Khalid Rasheed Firangi Mahali on Monday responded to Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev’s recent remarks on “Hindu Rashtra”, saying Muslims are not afraid because they worship Allah alone. At the same time, he called for mutual respect among all religions and urged people to avoid making statements that could hurt religious sentiments.
Speaking to ANI, Maulana Khalid Rasheed said, “Muslims are not intimidated or afraid as they serve Allah. The reality is that all human beings share the same ancestors. We have always opposed any discrimination based on religion. If we want to improve our country, everyone should follow their own religion, respect others and refrain from making such religious statements.”
He also expressed concern over the demolition of mosques and the abolition of the Madrasa Board in Uttarakhand, saying these developments have caused distress among Muslims.
“The demolition of mosques and changes related to the Madrasa Board have created a lot of hardship for Muslims in Uttarakhand and across the country,” he said.
Baba Ramdev Said Muslims Should Not Fear ‘Hindu Rashtra’
The remarks came after Baba Ramdev said that Muslims should not fear the idea of a “Hindu Rashtra” and claimed that people of all religions in India share the same ancestors.
Recalling a visit to Deoband in 2009, Ramdev said, “Our religions may be different, but our ancestors are the same. There is no need for anyone to fear the concept of a Hindu Rashtra. The ancestors of us all were Sanatani Hindu Arya-Vedics.”
He further said, “Some people ask where Muslims will go if a Hindu Rashtra is established. I tell them to adopt the traditions of their ancestors. You may keep a beard or shave it off, wear any clothes you like, but keep the character of your ancestors. There is no danger for Muslims or Christians in Hindustan.”
Muslim Leaders Give Mixed Reactions
Ramdev’s remarks have drawn mixed reactions from Muslim leaders.
All India Muslim Jamaat president Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi said Muslims and Christians are safe in India but opposed the idea of declaring the country a Hindu Rashtra.
“The country belongs to Muslims as much as it belongs to Hindus. It also belongs equally to Sikhs and followers of other religions. Therefore, it would not be right to declare India a Hindu Rashtra,” he said.
Meanwhile, All India Shia Personal Law Board leader Maulana Yasoob Abbas agreed that all human beings share a common origin.
“We are all children of Adam. If people live with unity, brotherhood and love, hatred will end and harmony will grow,” he said.
