Srinagar: Senior religious leaders of the Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU), an amalgam of all Muslim religious organisations in Jammu and Kashmir, including its patron Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and other prominent clerics, have expressed serious concern over the recent directive issued by the Jammu and Kashmir Government’s Department of Culture.
The directive instructs schools across the region to commemorate the 150th year of Vande Mataram through organized musical and cultural programs, ensuring participation of all students and staff.
The MMU stated that singing or reciting Vande Mataram is un-Islamic, as it contains expressions of devotion that contradict the fundamental Islamic belief in the absolute Oneness of Allah (Tawheed). The body emphasized that Islam does not permit any act involving worship or reverence directed to anyone or anything other than the Creator.
While underscoring that Muslims are urged to love and serve their homeland through service, compassion and contribution to society, the MMU said such devotion must not conflict with their faith. Forcing Muslim students or institutions to participate in acts contrary to their religious beliefs, it said, is unjust and unacceptable.
The MMU further said the directive appears to be an attempt to impose a Hindutva-driven ideology on a Muslim-majority region under the pretext of cultural celebration, rather than promoting genuine unity and respect for diversity. The order, the statement added, has caused deep anguish among the Muslim community, prompting many to approach religious leaders to raise the issue.
The MMU urged the administration, led by the Lieutenant Governor and the Chief Minister, to immediately withdraw the directive and ensure that no student or institution is compelled to act against their religious convictions. It warned that if the government fails to revoke the order, the MMU will convene a meeting of all religious leaders across Jammu and Kashmir to decide the future course of action.
