By Qudratullah Faraz
Addressing a public gathering organised by Jamaat e Islami Hind (JIH) in Aligarh, JIH president Jalauddin Umri declared, “The purpose of Muslim community is to establish Justice”. The gathering, was organised in the premises of Idara e Tehqeeq o Tasneef e Islami on 13th October, 2018. It was entitled ‘Challenges to the country and Muslim community and our role therein’ and was attended by over 700 people.
The programme began by recitation of a few verses from Quran, the religious book of Muslims by Qari Mohammad Salik, followed by its translation in Urdu by Hafiz Abdul Qadir. Dr.Syed Farhat Husain, the head of JIH’s ‘West UP and Uttrakhand Unit’ delivered the inaugural address. He dwelled into the history of JIH, both at the national level, and at Aligarh. Listing the rise of fascism as a major challenge, he said “The rise of fascism is a danger bell, for the entire country and not just the Muslim community.”
His address was followed by that of JIH’s Vice President, Nusrat Ali, who is also a member of Muslim Personal Law Board. In the context of recent Supreme Court rulings over Section 377 and 497 of Indian Penal Code, he remarked “Human beings are not designed to enjoy absolute freedom. They must remain within the boundaries of morality.” He also emphasised that the Muslim community should devise instruments like Shariah Courts for resolution of their social issues.
Prof. Mohammad Salim, the Secretary General of JIH was next in line to address the audience. Furthering the points raised by Husain he said, “Fascism has been promoted in the name of Cultural Nationalism in the last four years.” He emphasised on the need of reviving the four values mentioned in the preamble of Indian constitution, viz. Justice, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity.
The presidential address was then delivered by Umri. Praising the Constitution of India he said, “The Indian Constitution is an excellent one for a pluralistic society like India”. “JIH has been continuously working for its implementation, both in letter and spirit.” Targeting the Central government, he demanded the establishment of Rule of Law and the restoration of Freedom of Speech and Expression. “The purpose of Muslim community is to establish justice” he said towards the end of his speech. The programme concluded on supplications by Umri, wherein he prayed for the establishment of peace and justice.
Qudratullah Faraz is a student of Engineering at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU)