The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has issued a statement urging Muslims to refrain from participating in the celebrations of the upcoming inauguration of the Ram Temple on January 22. AIMPLB Chairman Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rehmani expressed concerns over the construction of the temple, deeming it ‘non-secular’ and ‘anti-government.’
Rehmani argued that the construction of the Ram Temple is perceived as unjust, citing the Supreme Court’s acknowledgement that there was no evidence of a temple being demolished to build the Babri Mosque. He said that the court’s decision was based on assumptions of a particular sect within the majority community, not supported by holy Hindu texts.
“The construction of the temple was an attack on secularism and the democracy of India,” Rehmani said, claiming that the government’s support followed, leading to the replacement of a mosque, where Muslims worshipped for centuries, with a temple.
Expressing concern over the potential inauguration by the Prime Minister, Rehmani stated, “Now, if the Prime Minister inaugurates the temple himself, it will be the death of secularism and justice.” He criticized the nationwide promotion of the event for political gains, deeming it as exacerbating the wounds of the minority community.
Addressing the question of whether it is permissible for Muslims to participate in certain celebrations, Rehmani advised against raising ‘Jai Shri Ram’ slogans and lighting lamps on January 22, stating that such actions would be considered acts of ‘non-belief.’
However, he clarified that Muslims respect Shri Ram and other Hindu deities, emphasizing Islam’s teachings to honour prominent figures from all religions. He said, “If our Hindu brothers want to light lamps in celebration of the construction of the Ram Temple, we have no objection. We respect Shri Ram along with all other Hindu deities as Islam teaches to respect prominent personalities of all religions.”
Rehmani concluded by highlighting the monotheistic beliefs of Muslims, noting that celebrating other deities contradicts the fundamental belief in the sovereignty of the one God.
