By TCN News,
New Delhi: The Delhi-based Zakat Foundation of India has appealed to Muslims in Haryana state not to oppose inter- or intra-caste marriage because there is no such restriction from Islam. ZFI president Dr Zafar Mahmood made this appeal while addressing a delegation of Haryana Muslims here on May 22.
The Holy Quran has given clear guideline about marriage with relatives. The Quran has said that except women of some specific categories, all women are halal for Muslim men. Any restriction beyond Quranic teaching has been created by people themselves, Dr Zafar Mahmood said and urged them to follow Shariat, not any un-Islamic culture or Khap Panchayat.
“Islam does not permit any caste or gotra system. For the purpose of discouraging such parochialism, Islam does not prohibit marriage on grounds except those mentioned in the Quran-e-Karim (chapter 4, Sura Nisa). Apart from the prohibited categories, nikah is permitted between any believing man and believing woman (Wa uhilla lakum ma waraa’a zaalikum: 4.24). Also, the Prophet (s) said in the last sermon that there is no precedence of one person over another in any manner except because of the level of righteousness,” Dr Zafar said.
He strongly appealed to the Muslims of Haryana to follow Shari’at and not to get impressed by any un-Islamic culture. He appealed to them not to object to any marriage unless it is un-Islamic.