Author: Dr. M.S. Usmani
Publication: The Organiser
Date: October 14, 2001
Q. What is your reaction to the
recent statements of Shahi Imam
of Jama Masjid?
A. It is not surprising to have
provocative statements from the people who always have the intention to
exploit the sentiments of their community and also 'to encourage religious
fundamentalism. In fact, they cannot survive without doing it. Terrorism
has no religion and it is totally wrong to connect the US move against
Taliban or Osama bin Laden with Islam. It is a move against terrorism.
By issuing such statements the Imam is deliberately misusing his religious
powers. In fact, the Imam has no influence among Muslims. He is not a religious
head but a fundamentalist. He is following the policy of Md. Jinnah who
always instigated the religious emotions of Muslim community to lead them
to separatism. Undoubtedly, by instigating religious sentiments of Muslim
community, the Imam is encouraging separatism and also is trying to escalate
religions tension in the country. He feels that if Muslims joined the mainstream,
no one would care for him and he would have to shut down his shop.
Q. The Imam has appealed to the
Muslims worldwide to support Laden in his jehad against America. Do you
support it?
A. Certainly not. No Muslim should
support Laden. He is nothing but a terrorist who kills innocent people
and a terrorist cannot announce jehad. In fact, those who support Laden
do not know the meaning of jehad. Jehad does not mew killing innocents.
In my opinion both Imam and Laden have the same destructive mentality and
arc misleading the Muslim community. They are certainly not friends of
the community. Both deserve the same punishment.
Q. An international campaign has
been launched against Laden. DO you think a similar campaign needs to be
launched by Muslims here in India against the Imam?
A. Yes. There must be a campaign
against such activities of the Imam. In fact, the intellectual section
of the, Muslim community has now started realising that such moves on the
part of the Imam are disastrous not only for Muslims but also for the country.
But at the moment they do not have the courage to openly come out against
him. Before Partition also, when Jinnah started talking about the two-nation
theory, the intellectual section of Muslim community wins principally against
the move but they did not have the courage to openly oppose it. But now
they are realising their mistake. Those who we supporting the Imam today
and have sympathy for Laden or Taliban will repent tomorrow as the Muslims
arc repenting today for supporting the Partition. In fact, it is the right
time for Muslims to say no to all wrong decision being imposed on them
by the people like 'Shahi' Imam.
Q. What action would you propose
against the Imam for issuing such provocative statements?
A. He should be put behind the
ban immediately. The statements he has issued so far are anti-national
and smack of revolt against the country. He should be given the same punishment
as is given for sedition. The government has banned the SIMI but has left
such forces to disturb communal harmony of the country. If the Imam cannot
live here with peace he should leave the country immediately. This type
of people are dangerous not only for the country but also for the Muslim
community. They are creating the pre-Partition atmosphere again. I would
like to appeal to the Muslim community to take a lesson from the mistakes
committed in the past and not allow anyone to play with their sentiments.
