After Azam Khan proposes temple for Mulayam, Bareillvi sect issues fatwa

“This act of a Muslim (who proposes to set up a temple) is not right. He becomes sinner and it is compulsory that he seek pardon. (For the time being) Muslims should stop mingling, meeting or greeting such person,” the edict issued on March 21 said.

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It is signed by Mufti Obaid bearing the seal of Manzar-e-Islam, Saudagaran, Bareilly, Dargah Aala Hazrat.

The fatwa came after Congress leader Faisal Khan Lala, a resident of Rampur, sought the views of the seminary following Azam proposing to construct a temple for Mulayam on the lines of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s temple in Gujarat built by his supporters.

“I will put my proposal before ‘netaji’ (Mulayam). If he gives approval, the same would be constructed,” Azam had said on February 12.

Justifying the move, Azam had said Mulayam was a popular leader and has a number of followers. “When temples of those living including actors are there, why there should be no temple for him (Mulayam)?,” he had said.

Since fatwa is not issued against any particular person but only on “situations and conditions”, Faisal Khan asked about the status: “Can a Muslim make an offer for constructing a temple? After such an act, can the person be called a Muslim?”
Sajjada Nashin Subhan Ahmed Khan, who holds the supreme seat of Bareillvi sect of Muslims and is descendant of Aala Hazrat, confirmed the fatwa but said it was not against any particular person but applicable on every Muslim. Hence pointing towards anyone (Azam) is equivalent to spreading disturbance.

Another Mufti, Saleem Noori from Manzar-e-Islam said the fatwa is correct in the context but “we are not concerned” about Azam Khan. “The fatwa is not directed against any particular person. We give fatwa on situation and do not take anyone’s
name. This fatwa has been issued by Mufti Obaid who has now retired from Darul Ifta,” Noori said.