In a controversial move, Darul Uloom Deoband, one of India’s largest Islamic seminaries, has issued a fatwa endorsing the concept of ‘Ghazwa-e-Hind’ on its website. The fatwa asserts the validity of the ‘holy raid of India’ from an Islamic perspective, claiming that those martyred in this context will attain the status of great supreme martyrs.
Responding to an online query, Darul Uloom Deoband justified its stance on ‘Ghazwa-E-Hind’ by citing ‘Sunan an-Nasai,’ a collection of Hadith. The fatwa narrates a Hadith quoting Hazrat Abu Huraira, expressing readiness to sacrifice wealth and life for Ghazwa-e-Hind, adding a layer of religious legitimacy to the controversial concept.
Question asked on darulifta-deoband.com and its answer in Urdu.
Answer given by Darul Uloom Deoband to the question on Ghazwa-e-Hind.
While the fatwa faces widespread criticism, Muslim cleric Maulana Sajid Rashidi has defended it, terming the situation as hypothetical. He suggested that the term ‘martyr’ is applicable only in the hypothetical scenario of a conflict between Hindus and Muslims.
What is Ghazwa-e-Hind?
The term ‘Ghazwa’ in Arabic, signifying a war guided by faith. It traces its roots to Islamic hadiths, portraying Muslim warriors conquering the Indian subcontinent.
In Ghazwa-e-Hind, Ghazwa means ‘war to spread Islam’. The entire term ‘Ghazwa-e-Hind’ means the establishment of Islam in India through war. The Islamic fighters involved in this war are called ‘Ghazi’. Ghazwa-e-Hind means conquering the infidels living in the Indian subcontinent and converting them into Muslims.
Most of the dreaded Terrorist groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) uses ‘Ghazwa-e-Hind’ as as a recruiting tool and justification for attacks on India.
NCPCR condemned the Fatwa, demands strict action
The National Commission for Child Protection (NCPCR) has strongly condemned the fatwa, labelling it as ‘anti-national.’ Its Chairperson Priyank Kanoongo has directed the Saharanpur District authorities to file an FIR against Darul Uloom Deoband. The NCPCR has expressed concerns about its potential impact on children, citing a violation of Section 75 of the Juvenile Justice Act, of 2015.
In a letter to Saharanpur’s Senior Superintendent of Police, the NCPCR cited the fatwa’s alleged promotion of hatred and potential harm to children, urging legal action. Referring to legal precedents, the commission underscored the gravity of expressions that could be construed as offences against the state.
NCPCR Chairperson Priyank Kanoongo highlighted the alleged violation of Section 75 of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015.
Following a directive from NCPCR, the District Magistrate of Saharanpur ordered necessary action regarding the fatwa. The District Magistrate wrote to the Senior Superintendent of Police and directed the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) and Chief Development Officer (CDO) of Deoband to take immediate action.
The SDM, CDO and their team have visited the site and effective action will soon be taken against the Islamic institution.
District Magistrate Dinesh Chandra Singh confirmed that they have received a letter from the NCPCR directing them to take action regarding the fatwa issued by Darul Uloom and the Senior Superintendent of Police has been instructed accordingly. The team of SDM Deoband and CDO Deoband has gone to the site and the directive will be examined and action will be taken.
