Muslim religious scholars expressed opposing views on Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind President Maulana Syed Arshad Madani’s recent comments on ‘Jihad’. Arshad Madani stated that ‘Jihad’ was necessary for India’s independence during the era of slavery in 1803. However, Bharatiya Samaj Sevak Sangathan President Maulana Chaudhary Ifraheem Husain criticized Madani, labeling his remarks as contradictory to Islam.
Chaudhary Ifraheem Husain emphasized the importance of ‘Taqwa’ (piety) in Islam, stating that statements like Madani’s are politically motivated and lack relevance to real issues faced by marginalized communities. All India Muslim Jamaat President Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi pointed out that Madani failed to specify the conditions under which ‘Jihad’ should be carried out by Muslims and whether it is necessary in India.
Maulana Syed Saif Abbas Naqvi highlighted that the current conditions do not warrant ‘jihad’ as it requires authorization from a sinless prophet or Imam, who are not present today. Naqvi referred to the teachings that emphasize peace in India, where ‘jihad’ is deemed unnecessary. He also mentioned that without a sinless Imam, no one has the authority to call for ‘jihad’.
