NewKerala.com

Muslim Leaders Welcome Allahabad HC Verdict on Namaz at Disputed Places

The Allahabad High Court ruled that the right to practice religion does not extend to converting private premises into unregulated congregational spaces. Muslim religious leaders, including Maulana Chaudhary Ibrahim Hussain and Maulana Mufti Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi, welcomed the verdict, citing Islamic law that prohibits namaz at disputed places. They emphasized the importance of maintaining communal harmony and avoiding obstruction of public spaces. Former Babri Masjid litigant Iqbal Ansari also supported the decision, stating that rules apply to everyone and mosques are the proper place for prayer.

Key Points: Muslim Leaders Back HC Verdict on Namaz at Disputed Sites

  • Allahabad HC rules right to religion does not extend to private premises as congregational space
  • Muslim leaders Maulana Hussain, Mufti Barelvi support verdict
  • Islamic law (Shariat) prohibits namaz at disputed places
  • Leaders emphasize maintaining communal harmony and using mosques or homes for prayer
2 min read

'Namaz should not be offered in places of dispute': Muslim community welcomes Allahabad HC verdict

Muslim community leaders welcome Allahabad HC verdict that right to religion does not extend to converting private premises into unregulated congregational space.

"In Islam, prayers should not be offered at places where disputes may arise. - Maulana Chaudhary Ibrahim Hussain"

New Delhi, May 2

Senior members of the Muslim community on Saturday welcomed the Allahabad High court's judgment which held that the right to practise religion does not extend to converting private premises into an "unregulated congregational space".

The court dismissed a plea seeking permission and police protection for offering regular namaz at an alleged private property in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal district.

Commending the High Court's decision, Muslim religious leader Maulana Chaudhary Ibrahim Hussain said: "In Islam, prayers should not be offered at places where disputes may arise. Also, there should be a particular place to offer namaz."

"Therefore, it is a good decision according to Islam as well as according to the law," he told IANS.

Hussain mentioned that such a decision was necessary.

He said that since people of different religions stay in India, it is important to maintain communal harmony.

"If people of any one particular community start following their religious practises at public places, then it may hurt the sentiments of others," he added.

"Moreover, the public places are meant for the use of common people. Therefore, it would better if those places are restricted for such use only and no dispute arises in it," the Muslim cleric added.

All India Muslim Jamaat National President Maulana Mufti Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi also supported the court's judgment.

He echoed saying: "The 'Shariat-e-Islamia' also says that namaz should not be offered in places of dispute."

"Also, namaz should not be offered at places which may be objectionable for anyone," he added.

He noted that a public place is prone to noise and congestion and therefore is not suited for a religious practise.

Barelvi highlighted that ambulances also pass through such places and namaz should not be offered there so that the route does not get obstructed.

"It is better to offer namaz at peaceful and secured places like mosques or own homes," he told IANS.

However, Barelvi said that some people, especially some "mindless youth", have turned the namaz into a "matter of joke".

Former Babri Masjid litigant Iqbal Ansari emphasised that rules and laws apply to everyone.

"We believe that mosques are meant for offering namaz. People sometimes offer namaz at public places, but it should be offered in mosques," he said.

Ansari also asserted: "This is a good decision which should be followed."

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
I completely agree with the Muslim leaders quoted here. Why create unnecessary tensions when you can pray at home or in a mosque? The clerics themselves are saying this is against Islamic principles. Let's not make religion a tool for conflict.
J
James A
This is a reasonable ruling. In any country with diverse religious communities, we must respect public spaces. The Muslim leaders themselves have shown great wisdom here - faith shouldn't be exercised in ways that create disputes. Respect to the court.
M
Michael C
Makes sense. Religious practice shouldn't interfere with public life. The comments about noise, congestion, and ambulance routes are practical concerns we all can understand. Good to see religious leaders acknowledging this reality.
K
Kavya N
I appreciate the clerics' stance - this shows true Islamic values of peace and coexistence. But we need to be careful that such verdicts don't create a slippery slope where religious practices get restricted unfairly. Balance is key. 🤔
S
Sarah B
Good to see religious leaders prioritizing communal harmony over technical religious practice. This is how a mature, multicultural society should handle such matters. The emphasis on mosques and homes is sensible.
R
Rohit P
While I support the verdict, I worry about singling out one community. The same standard should apply to all religious practices

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50