Other States - Uttar Pradesh   

Muslim intelligentsia divided over `fatwa' on use of veil

LUCKNOW: Muslim intelligentsia in Uttar Pradesh appeared divided over the recent `fatwa' issued by Islamic seminary Darul Uloom making wearing of veils mandatory for Muslim women entering politics.

While a member of Muslim Personal Law Board and Naib Imam of Firangi Mahal, Khalid Rasheed, asked the ulemas not to interfere in political matters, another member of the Board and senior counsel Zafaryab Jilani said wearing a naqab (veil) should not be linked only with contesting elections as has been stated by the Islamic seminary.

``Such fatwas unnecessarily expose the community to criticism by communal forces thereby harming the interest of Muslims,'' Rasheed said advising the ulemas to confine themselves to shariat matters.

Quoting the Quran, Rasheed said Islam preaches equality between men and women and women are in the forefront even in Islamic countries.

Mr. Jilani on the other hand said the views of the Islamic seminary in this regard were suggestions coming in response to a specific question and not a fatwa.

There is no uniform concept of `naqab' as different people interpret and observe it differently, Mr. Jilani said, adding the Darul Uloom edict has, however, created confusion among Muslims because of its timing as panchayat elections are currently in progress. -- PTI

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

`Mulayam Govt. failed to tackle encephalitis'
TIN for U.P. traders
M.P. kids face chronic hunger: Report
Muslim intelligentsia divided over `fatwa' on use of veil
Tying `rakhis' on WebWorld

Copyright © 2005, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu