In UP, rival sects bicker over fatwa

Karimi had issued the fatwa on Sunday, saying all persons who participated in a funeral prayer led by his rival Abdul Muhammid on August 11 had become non-believers and their marriages had lost sanctity. The funeral took place in village Ahiraula Mafi in Moradabad where most Muslims belong to the Barelvi sect. After the fatwa from their sect leader in Moradabad, more than 30 villagers had to remarry, including men as old as 62.

Facing attack from Deoband, Abdulmannan stood his ground and said here that his fatwa was valid. He also questioned the religious credentials of Deoband and said they could not be called true Muslims. He said about 100 people of Ahiraula Mafi village would remarry and re-embrace Islam this week.

Asked about the row, Shia cleric Maulana Kalbe Sadiq said that 8220;stupid8221; Muftis issue such fatwas which only harm the community. He said this fatwa would only benefit the Qazi who would charge fees for the marriage ceremonies.