Author: Syed Amin Jafri in Hyderabad
Publication: Rediff on Net
Date: June 22, 2002
The All India Muslim Personal Law
Board began its three-day 16th session on Friday night with a call for
the protection of Shariah [Islamic law].
Maulana Rabey Hasan Nadvi, head
of the Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulema in Lucknow, said that without following
the Shariah, Muslims would not be able to retain their identity.
"We should be concerned about the
protection of Shariah and removal of the obstacles which are coming in
the way of following it in the same manner as we worry about our economic
and material needs," he said.
Urging the Muslims to cooperate
with the Board, he expressed satisfaction over the sustained efforts of
the Board to thwart the repeated attempts by 'certain vested interests'
to seek replacement of Shariat with a common civil code.
He maintained there was 'no scope'
for Muslims to go against the word of Shariah.
The Maulana spelt out a two-pronged
strategy for the Board.
Firstly, it would focus on reformation
of Muslim society against social evils. Secondly, it would take steps for
setting up setting up Darul Qaza or forum for adjudication of family disputes
among Muslims in accordance with Shariah at various places in the country.
