Lucknow: The All-India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) met here (Feb 5, Sunday) and deliberated upon a range of issues including the Gyanvapi mosque, uniform civil code, growing hatred, and education. The executive committee of the Board passed as many as 10 resolutions including one on women’s rights.
In the wake of the present regime’s raking up of UCC apparently for the coming Parliamentary election, the Board categorically said it opposes any such move. It underlined that fundamental rights provide freedom of religion to all citizens and bringing the uniform civil code would deprive citizens of the privileges given to them by the constitution.
“Such a code is neither relevant nor beneficial for a multi-religious, multicultural, and multilingual country like India,” the Board said in a release.
The AIMPLB also appealed to all to preserve religious freedom and personal laws.
In a resolution passed on the UCC issue stated: “The fundamental rights comprise in giving full freedom to all citizens. Implementing a Uniform Civil Code will deprive citizens of the privileges provided to them by Personal Laws and that is against the spirit of the Constitution. Such a Code is neither relevant nor beneficial for a multi-religious, multicultural, and multilingual country like India. If taking advantage of its majority in Parliament, the ruling government passes and puts into effect the Uniform Civil Code, it will affect the unity and harmony that bind the nation. It will hinder the country’s progress and will not bear any fruitful results either. This meeting of the Board, which represents Muslims and their various schools of thought, appeals to the government not to pursue this agenda. Instead, they should focus on the live and present issues the country is facing”.
In the wake of raking up the so-called mandir issue, the Board said that the Places of Worship Act 1992 should be adhered to in word and spirit in the national interest.
It also urged the courts to take note of atrocities on minorities and weaker sections since the judiciary is the last hope of all citizens.
The Board further objected to the practice of putting down houses and implicating the accused even before the law is allowed to take its course.
The protection of Waqf and how it can be used for the education of the poor and Muslims, bettering the lives of women, and increasing their participation in social life was also discussed.
It also passed a resolution to exhort Muslims to establish schools.
“In view of the circumstances prevailing, AIMPLB appeals to Muslims to establish more and more educational institutions to ensure that their religious and cultural values are preserved and thrive”.
It urges Muslims to do justice with the womenfolk.
“—-Justice should be meted out to the women of the community, best care given to elders and there should be abstinence from ostentatious expenses at weddings. Muslims should resolve their issues by turning first to religious heads for advice. Intoxication, adultery, interest in homosexuality, and continuing to live with divorced spouses are practices that do not fit a true Muslim, nor are enforced by the country’s law.”
Muslim Board asks the community to use Nikahnaama authorized by it.
“Nikahnaama authorized by the AIMPLB must be used to seal a matrimonial alliance. In the Board’s nikahnama, the rights and duties of husband and wife are enumerated with clarity and thus they cut out the incidence of dispute or divorce. Thus, disputes can be resolved with minimum time, effort, and money”.
On the issue of spreading hatred for political purposes allegedly by the ruling party members and its affiliates, the Board says the authorities must take stern action against such elements.
“An appeal to the highest authorities to put in place stringent measures to control hatred that was being spread across the country before irreparable damage was done to the fabric of our nation’s harmony. Members reiterated that for centuries India has thrived on the strength of integrity among its population which comprises innumerable religions, castes, and factions, upholding thus the values vested in our Constitution. Discord being created is opposed to the path of unity and inclusiveness that was followed by our freedom fighters and makers of the Constitution, the members deliberated”, the resolution stated.
The meeting of the Executive Committee of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board was presided over by Maulana Rabey Hasan Nadwi at Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama. The meeting discussed issues and cases related to Muslim Personal Laws which saw the participation of prominent members, including Ml. Syed Mohd. Rabey Hasni Nadwi, Ml. Arshad Madni, Ml. Fakhruddin Ashraf, Prof. Syed Ali Naqvi, Ml. Khalid Saif Ullah Rahmani, Gen. Secretary, Ml. Asghar Ali Imam Mehdi, Ml. Fazlur Raheem Mujadadi, Ml. Mahmood Madni, Ml. Sajjad Nomani, Ml. Mustafa Rifai Jeelani, Asad Uddin Owaisi, Ml. Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahli, Ml. Wali Faisal Rahmani, Qasim Rasool Ilyas, Kamal Farooqui, Yusuf Hatim Machala Advocate, Ml. Syed Bilal Hasni Nadwi, Ml. Ateeq Ahmad Bastavi, Shamshad Ahmad Advocate, Tahir Hakeem Advocate, Dr. Monisa Bushra.
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