Agra: Fifty-four Muslims were excommunicated and their marriages nullified by a local Mufti after they reportedly expressed the view that singing of national song Vande Mataram [India’s official national song] was not un-Islamic. While issuing a fatwa, Mufti Abdul Quddus Rumi declared that singing of the national song "would lead them (Muslims) to hell." It was wrong for Muslims to sing Vande Mataram, the Mufti said, adding those advocating the song were deviating from the religion. The fatwa also nullifies the weddings of those excommunicated. Muslims who made statements in favour of the national song should offer prayers to renew their faith in Islam and remarry according to Islamic rites, he said.
I’m sorry, I’m lost for words... Bwaaaaaaa
Among those excommunicated were Mutwallis (masjid heads) of the Loha Mandi and Shaheed Nagar mosques, where a group of pro-BJP Muslims had said that the song praised the motherland and did not mask any religious sentiments. Of the 54 persons who were excommunicated, 13 had asked for forgiveness.
What about the other 41?
"Darling, it wasn’t me, it’s the Mufti who annuled our marriage and made me run off with my 18 year old secretary" |