Muslim board chief contradicts deputy: no room for birth control

But contradicting Sadiq’s stand, Nadwi today said: ‘‘If any member of the community has some physical problems, he can approach the mufti. But there is no place for family planning in Islam.’’

As for his vice-chairman’s statement, the AIMPLB chairman claimed ‘‘it was said in his (Sadiq’s) personal capacity and did not reflect the opinion of the Board.’’

He also denied that the issue was slated to be discussed at the next Board meeting. ‘‘It is not on the agenda as the Board is not empowered to change the basic teachings of Islam,’’ he said. The Board’s annual meeting is scheduled to be held in Kozhikode in December.

Pointing out how the ulemas had opposed the Indira Gandhi Government’s move to enforce family planning on Muslims during the Emergency, Nadiq said: ‘‘The Congress was dethroned from the Centre for the first time, and the anger of the Muslims contributed to the party’s downfall.’’

While stating that there had been no change in the ulemas’ position, the AIMPLB chairman added that Sadiq was not the Board’s mulazim (employee) and was entitled to his ‘‘personal opinion’’.

‘‘Family planning among Muslims should not be made a issue. Instead, attention should be paid to the evils which threaten to divide society,’’ he said, claiming that the growth rate of Muslims was lower than that of other communities.

The conflicting views of the two heads are bound to create ripples, both in the Board as well as the rest of the community, especially at a time when the AIMPLB is yet to get over the controversy surrounding the triple talaq issue.