By Faisal Fareed, TwoCircles.net,
Lucknow: Scores of burqa clad women descended at Jhulelal Park here supporting Anna Hazare’s anti graft stir on Tuesday. Led by the President of All India Muslim Women Personal Law Board (AIMWPLB), Shaista Amber the women decried the Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid, Imam Bukhari for his alleged opposition to Anna’s stir.
“The issue of corruption is related to our country. It affects every citizen of India. It cannot be opposed on flimsy grounds on someone’s appeal,” said Shaista Amber while addressing media persons at Jhulelal Park in the state capital. People from all walks of life are staging a sit-in at the Jhulelal Park in Lucknow since August 16 in support to Anna Hazare’s agitation for implementation of Jan Lokpal Bill.
Amber, who heads the AIMWPLB, is known for her modern approach towards the religion and has ruffled many Muslim clerics in the past. On Tuesday she opposed Imam Bukhari for the latter’s remarks against Anna’s agitation and appeal to Muslims for staying away from the agitation. “In light of Holy Quran, it is the duty of every Muslim to raise voice against corruption and malpractices in the society. If one cannot participate he should extend moral support to the agitation. No religion can permit corruption and other social evils in the society. It is our duty to extend our support and participate in the agitation,” said Amber.
Earlier, the female group led by Amber offered special prayers on the dais — where eight people were sitting on fast in show of strength to the 74-year-old crusader — for the success of the movement. Special prayers were also offered for the well being of Anna Hazare. Some verses from Quran were also narrated on the occasion. Amber also appealed that all Muslims should extend full support to Anna Hazare and his campaign for the passing of Jan Lokpal Bill. “It is high time we do our bit by being part of the campaign,” she said.
Regarding the ‘anti-Islamic’ slogans the AIMWPLB president said since nobody forced people to chant particular slogans, there was no point in objecting to it. “It is not necessary to resort to chanting slogans. It is a person’s personal choice. Supporting the crusade is important,” she added.
Buoyed over the support from AIMWPLB, the volunteers of India Against Corruption (IAC) announced to organise a Roza Iftar at Jhulelal Park on Wednesday. Invitation has been extended to the students and faculties of Islamic seminary Nadwatul Ulema, Lucknow for attending the iftar. The Muslims attending the iftar will also offer namaz at the same venue and pray for Anna’s health and success of the agitation.