Muslims Are First-Class Citizens in India, Asserts Maulana Shahabuddin

Bareilly, October 31 (Daily Kiran) : Maulana Shahabuddin, president of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, has responded to recent comments made by Maulana Mahmood Madani regarding the status of Muslims in India. He strongly disagrees with Madani’s assertion that Muslims are second-class citizens in the country. Instead, Shahabuddin contends that Muslims enjoy first-class citizenship, complete with religious freedom and equal rights.

He emphasized that Muslims in India are able to conduct their businesses freely, participate in religious activities, and live according to their traditions. Shahabuddin urged the public to adopt a positive perspective and understand the true situation in the country rather than viewing it through a negative lens.

Shahabuddin pointed out that Muslims in India have the freedom to practice their faith, including performing five daily prayers and celebrating significant occasions such as Eid, Bakrid, and Milad-un-Nabi. He noted that religious processions, such as Muharram and the Gausia processions, are also carried out according to tradition, showcasing the freedom Muslims have to observe their religious customs.

He further highlighted that Muslim educational institutions and places of worship operate independently without government interference or oversight from non-Muslims. Therefore, labeling Muslims as second-class citizens is not only inaccurate but also stems from a negative mindset that can create unnecessary confusion in society.

Acknowledging that isolated incidents have occurred in the country, Shahabuddin insisted that such occurrences should not be generalized to reflect the status of the entire population or a specific community. He mentioned that in a nation of approximately 1.45 billion people, occasional incidents are to be expected.

Shahabuddin criticized viewing these events through a communal lens, suggesting that historical precedents show similar incidents occurred during the reign of Muslim rulers and even under British rule. He urged people to refrain from forming negative perceptions about the entire country or any community based on isolated incidents.

He appealed to citizens to maintain a positive outlook and recognize the diverse fabric of Indian society, where people of various religions and communities coexist freely. Everyone has the right to live according to their beliefs and traditions, he asserted. Shahabuddin concluded by stating that Muslims should not live in fear, as India is the land of their ancestors who contributed to the country’s freedom. He reiterated that it is incorrect to label Muslims as second-class citizens in India.