Lucknow, July 17: Shia cleric Maulana Yasub Abbas has responded to several significant issues, including the proposed bulldozer action at Jawahar University, a bill concerning ‘Vande Mataram’, and the Kanwar Yatra. He emphasized that solutions to religious and sensitive matters should be based solely on law and the constitution, free from politics and discrimination.
Regarding the FIR filed against a cleric who referred to Lord Krishna as a ‘five-time namazi’, Maulana Yasub Abbas supported legal action. He stated that clerics who attempt to disrupt societal harmony should face legal consequences. Such remarks about Lord Krishna only serve to tarnish the image of both Islam and religion, providing no benefit to anyone.
On the proposed bill that includes penalties for disrespecting ‘Vande Mataram’, the Maulana asserted that respect for the nation and motherland is a duty for every citizen. ‘Vande Mataram’ translates to ‘O Motherland, we bow to you’, and Islam also teaches love for one’s homeland. However, instead of punitive laws, there is a need for awareness and dialogue to resolve such issues. Patriotism should stem from a sense of voluntary respect, not fear or punishment.
Addressing the Kanwar Yatra, Maulana Yasub Abbas urged both the public and Kanwar pilgrims to act responsibly. He called on residents in areas where the yatra passes to facilitate the movement of devotees. He also urged pilgrims to avoid any form of disturbance, vandalism, or violent behavior. Emergency vehicles, including ambulances, must be given priority on the roads. The Kanwar Yatra symbolizes faith and should not hurt anyone’s religious sentiments.
Concerning the potential bulldozer action for alleged illegal construction at Jawahar University in Rampur, Maulana Yasub Abbas clarified that his intention is not to defend any individual but to express concern for the future of the students studying there. If there is a legal dispute regarding construction, the government should take the university under its control and complete the necessary legal processes, making efforts to regularize any illegal constructions where possible, to ensure that students’ education and future are not compromised.
A temporary ban on entry to the mosque located within Kolkata Airport has been imposed. He remarked that the government in Bengal has changed, and such issues will continue to arise for the sake of their vote bank. It was already clear what would happen. No one can prevent prayers, as they are a form of worship to Allah. If prayer rooms are available everywhere, people can perform their prayers during travel. The West Bengal government should ensure proper arrangements for a separate prayer room for worshippers.
Maulana Yasub Abbas also expressed objections to the court’s order to remove a nearly 70-year-old mosque located in the Saharanpur Collectorate premises, deemed an illegal occupation of government land within 30 days. He argued that if a construction is considered illegal, the responsibility should not rest solely on the religious site. If the construction indeed occurred on government land, why did the relevant authorities not intervene at that time? The responsibility of the concerned officials should also be established. Such disputes should be resolved within the framework of law and the constitution, fairly and without discrimination.
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