Author:
Publication: The Free Press Journal
Date: August 25, 2002
Almost every prominent religious
cleric of Uttar Pradesh hold the firm view that the 'Holy Quran' can not
be amended or abridged even with regard to certain controversial sections
which enjoins Muslims to launch a Holy War (Jehad) against the non-Muslims.
It may be recalled that the Vice-President
of Vishwa Hindu Parishad Acharya Giriraj Kishore had recently demanded
that words such as Kafirs (those who do no have faith in Islam), Kufra
(beliefs of non-believers) and war against idolatory be deleted from the
Holy Quran.
He has also asked Muslim clerics
to amend words, phrases or sentences which spread religious hatred for
those professing other religions.
The VHP leader had said that he
has offered to undertake a scrutiny of Hindu religious books to knock off
from them any portion or portions considered offensive by any other community.
Almost all prominent Muslim clerics
including Shia leader Maulana Kalbe Sadiq, the head of the world-renowned
Islamic institution of Darul-ul-ul-Uloom in Lucknow Maulana Rabey Nadwi,
that not even a word of the Quran and the Hadeeth can be changed or reinterpreted
as it is the Compilation of the commandments of God and the Prophet. Maulana
Rabey Nadwai's fame transcends, national boundaries.
The Muslim clerics said that Quran
does not preach religious haired or intolerance as alleged by Acharya Giriraj'
Kishore and he has no business to ask Muslim religious leaders to delete,
amend, alter or reinterpret even a word of the Holy book.
Acharya Giriraj Kishore had said
that the exercise of amendment or reinterpretation is essential for peaceful
coexistence and ensuring permanent peace not only in India but the world
at large.
President of the UP unit of Muslim
League Shakeel, Mian said that he has interacted with all leading Muslim
clerics of the country, besides the state clerics and they hold the unanimous
view that the Holy Quran and the Hadeeth cannot be revised either now or
at any time in future. The Muslim clerics hold the firm view 'that Quran
does not teach religious hatred but preaches love-' and brotherhood irrespective
of caste and colour.
The Tanzeem Labaik, the Indian Union
of Muslim League, the Husaini Tigers, Imamia Musalmeen leaders said even
any suggestion to amend Quran is blasphemous.
The Muslim leaders are of the view
that even the National Minorities Commission has no right to undertake
such a scrutiny and to suggest, amendments and reinterpretation.
Acharya Giriraj Kishore had written
on the National Minorities Commission to scrutinize religious scriptures
and books of both communities so that objectionable portions could be expeditiously
removed.
