Muslim bodies object to govt order on recitation of ‘Vande Mataram’ in schools

Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU), an amalgam of several religious organisations in Jammu and Kashmir, on Wednesday asked the government to immediately withdraw “coercive order” on recitation of ‘Vande Mataram’ in the schools in the Union Territory as the national song contained parts which were against Islamic beliefs of monotheism.

“The MMU, headed by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, expresses serious concern over the recent directive issued by the Jammu and Kashmir Government’s Department of Culture instructing schools across the region to commemorate the 150th year of Vande Mataram through organised musical and cultural programmes ensuring participation of all students and staff,” the amalgam said in a statement here.

The MMU said singing or reciting Vande Mataram “is un-Islamic, as it contains expressions of devotion that contradict” the fundamental Islamic belief in the absolute ‘Oneness of Allah (Tawheed)’.

“Islam does not permit any act that involves worship or reverence directed to anyone or anything other than the Creator,” the statement said.

The amalgam said while Muslims are urged to deeply love and serve their homeland, “that devotion should be expressed through service, compassion and contribution to society not through acts conflicting with faith.” “Forcing Muslim students or institutions to participate in activities that conflict with their faith is both unjust and unacceptable,” it added.

The MMU urged the administration, both led by the L-G Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, to immediately withdraw such a “coercive directive which has caused anguish to all Muslims” and ensure that no student or institution is compelled “to act against their religious beliefs”.

“Failing which, MMU will have to convene a meeting of all religious leadership across the state to deliberate on how to tackle this serious issue,” it said.