Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, a leading Muslim organization in India, has called for a separate legislation to combat Islamophobia by penalizing those who incite violence. This call was made during the organization’s two-day governing council meeting on Thursday, attended by nearly 1,500 members, including prominent Islamic clerics and scholars from across the country.
Jamiat chief Maulana Mahmood Asad Madani said that “the country cannot thrive on hatred.” He condemned the rising incidents of mob lynching and anti-Muslim propaganda, describing them as detrimental to the nation’s fabric and global reputation.
“The hate campaign against Muslims is a threat to our nation’s unity and integrity,” said Maulana Madani. He criticized derogatory remarks targeting the Muslim community, such as claims that they “produce more children” and are “infiltrators,” labeling these statements as against the national interest.
The meeting also passed a resolution against the “growing hate campaign” and discussed various issues, including the escalating hate campaigns in India, the ongoing genocide by the Israeli government in Palestine, and negative propaganda against Islamic madrasas.
Maulana Madani urged the youth to remain vigilant against misleading forces that might exploit their emotions. He encouraged them to focus on long-term goals, participate in educational institutions, art spaces, sports fields, and government recruitments, and to establish training centers to support these efforts.
“Hatred can only be countered with love,” he said, calling for increased dialogue and mutual understanding with all communities to dispel misconceptions. He reiterated the need for separate legislation against Islamophobia and urged the government to implement a concrete plan to curb hate speech and hate crimes.
Maulana Mufti Abu Qasim Nomani, Rector of Darul Uloom Deoband, warned against systematic efforts to lead young Muslims away from their faith. “Some provincial and central governments are pushing Muslim children towards apostasy under the guise of education and culture, which is highly condemnable,” he stated.
Maulana Muhammad Salman Bajnauri, Vice President of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, addressed the issue of Palestine, condemning the atrocities committed by Israelis against Palestinians and expressing deep sympathy for the oppressed.
Other notable speakers included Mufti Syed Muhammad Salman Mansoorpuri, Maulana Sidiqallah Choudhury, President of Jamiat Ulama Bengal; Maulana Abdullah Maroofi, a teacher at Darul Uloom Deoband; and Maulana Aqil Qasmi, President of Jamiat Ulama Western UP. The meeting was conducted by Jamiat’s General Secretary Maulana Hakeemuddin Qasmi and Mufti Muhammad Afan Mansoorpuri, who presented the secretary’s report detailing Jamiat’s significant services.
