The Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind has strongly criticized remarks by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale, where he suggested that Muslims should worship the sun, rivers, and trees. The Jamiat president, Maulana Mahmood Asad Madani, emphasized that Islam is based on the belief in the oneness of God and worship of God alone. He expressed regret over the statement, highlighting that Islam promotes love for nature but does not advocate worship of natural elements.
Maulana Madani raised concerns about the RSS’s understanding of Islamic beliefs and its ability to provide national guidance. He mentioned the Jamiat’s efforts towards communal harmony, dialogue, and mutual respect, including past dialogues with RSS leaders. The organization remains open to meaningful dialogue but is wary of what it sees as a trend towards provocative and exclusionary positions among some RSS leaders.
Stressing the importance of India’s unity based on shared homeland and constitutional values, Maulana Madani reiterated the Jamiat’s stance that all citizens form one nation regardless of religion. He cited B.R. Ambedkar’s views on pluralism and mutual respect as foundational to Indian nationhood.
