On 15 August, when India celebrated its 71st Independence Day, a ‘fatwa’ was issued by Ala Hazrat Dargah, a prominent Madarsa in Bareilly, to forbid Muslims from singing the national anthem as it is ‘against the norms of Shariyat (Muslims Law)’.
The celebrations in Islamic madarsas must always be in accordance with Shariyat, as they have always been. Instead of the national anthem, they must sing ’Sare Jahan Se Achcha, Hindustan Humara’. This song is better because the national anthem is flawed as per Shariyat.Maulana Shahbuddin, Spokesperson, Ala Hazrat Dargah
The ‘fatwa’ was supposedly in response to Uttar Pradesh government’s order that made it mandatory for Madarsas in the state to sing the national anthem during Independence day celebrations and video-record it as proof.
Many madarsas, however, defied the ‘fatwa’ and recited the national anthem after hoisting the flag on 15 August. Abdul Salam Khan, incharge of a madarsa in Bareilly welcomed the order by UP government.
We have hoisted the national flag. We sang the national anthem. The UP govt’s order is very good. Everyone should live in harmony. The govt’s programs must be abided.Abdul Salam Khan, Madarsa Incharge
Noor Mohammed Qureshi from Bulandshahr also told The Quint that the national anthem was sung at his madarsa.
We hoisted the flag at 8 am. After that, we sang the national anthem and national songs and kids participated in cultural events.Noor Mohammad Qureshi, Madarsa Incharge
Video Editor: Mohd Ibrahim
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