‘Muslims do not need anyone’s certificate to prove their patriotism,’ says Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind chief Arshad Madani amid Vande Mataram debate

Elaborating on the four verses in Islam, Madani said, “The contents of ‘Vande Mataram’ are based on beliefs that contradict Islamic monotheism; in its four verses, the homeland is likened to a deity and to Durga Mata, and words associated with worship are used.”

Further, Madani argued how the meaning of Vande Mataram goes against the religious beliefs of a Muslim and emphasised on the freedom of religion and freedom of expression enshrined in the Constitution of India. He said, “Furthermore, the meaning of Vande Mataram is essentially “Mother, I worship you”, which goes against the religious beliefs of a Muslim. Therefore, no one can be forced to chant or sing any slogan or song that contradicts their faith. The Constitution of India grants every citizen freedom of religion (Article 25) and freedom of expression (Article 19).”

Madani added that Muslims do not need anyone’s certificate to prove their patriotism. He remarked, “Love for one’s country is one thing; worshipping it is another. Muslims do not need anyone’s certificate to prove their patriotism—their sacrifices in the freedom struggle are a shining chapter of history.

We believe in one God; besides Allah, we accept no one as worthy of worship and bow before none. We would accept death, but never accept polytheism.”

The discussion on Vande Mataram in Lok Sabha has been witnessing fiery exchanges between the BJP and the Congress MPs. On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took aim at the expected targets: Congress, which he accused of indulging in “appeasement politics” and turning into “MMC”, or Muslim League-Maoist Congress, and Jawaharlal Nehru, whom he accused of truncating the song under pressure from the Muslim League.