Islam oldest religion, India as much Mahmood’s as Modi’s: Jamiat chief’s remarks spark row

Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind Chief Mahmood Madani on Friday said Islam is the oldest religion among all religions. He also said India belongs to Mahmood as much as it belongs to PM Modi and Mohan Bhagwat.

Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind Chief Mahmood Madani (Photo: ANI)

By India Today Web Desk: Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind Chief Mahmood Madani set off a controversy after he claimed that Islam is the oldest religion in the world. Addressing the organisation’s 34th General Session on Friday, he also said India belongs to people like him as much as it belongs to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat.

“India is our country. As much as this country belongs to Narendra Modi and Mohan Bhagwat, equally, this country belongs to Mahmood. Neither Mahmood is one inch ahead of them nor are they one inch ahead of Mahmood,” the Jamiat chief said.

The Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind chief further added that India is the first homeland of Muslims. He also stated that saying that Islam is a religion that came from outside is baseless and wrong. Madani called India the best country for Hindi Muslims.

“This land is the first homeland of Muslims. Saying that Islam is a religion that came from outside is totally wrong & baseless. Islam is the oldest religion among all religions. India is the best country for Hindi Muslims,” he said at the session.

Mahmood Madani also expressed concern over the alleged rise in Islamophobia and hate speech in the country. The plenary session of the event will take place on Sunday.

ALSO READ | Will safeguard madrassa at any cost, says Jamiat Ulama after meeting in Delhi

At the session, Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, a prominent Muslim body, flagged the alleged rise in Islamophobia and demanded that a separate law be enacted to specifically punish those who incite violence against minorities. The organisation passed several resolutions, including one on an alleged rise in the hate campaign and Islamophobia in the country, news agency PTI reported.

“The rise in Islamophobia, besides cases of hatred and incitement against the Muslim community, has increased to an alarming level in our country in the recent past,” the Jaimiat alleged.

“The most regrettable point is that though the government is aware of these developments, it prefers to adopt an ostrich-like approach,” it alleged.

The Muslim body said it wants to draw the government’s attention in a bid to ensure integrity and build a positive image of India. Among the steps the Jamiat proposed should be taken included strict action against elements and the media engaged in spreading hatred.

(With agency inputs)

ALSO READ | Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind moves SC seeking Scheduled Caste status for Dalit Muslims