Madrasas in India Stand Strong Against IS, Condemn It with Fatwas

After the shocking terror attack in Paris, two Islamic seminaries have stood strongly against the terrorist group called Islamic State (IS). They have criticised the attack, addressing it as the “murder of humanity”.

By Tanaya Singh

November 21, 2015

After the shocking terror attack in Paris, two Islamic seminaries have stood strongly against the terrorist group called Islamic State (IS). The institutions Darul Uloom Deoband and Dargah-e-Ala-Hazrat, two eminent Sunni sects in India, are very influential seminaries with considerable following. They have criticised the attack, addressing it as the “murder of humanity”.

Dargah-e-Ala-Hazrat

Source: Wikimedia

This seminary in Bareilly has planned to mobilise Islamic scholars and clerics across India to issue a joint fatwa against the IS. They are also running a signature campaign among Muslims. Maulana Subhan Raza Khan, head of the shrine, said that the fatwa campaign is to tell the world that the followers of Islam would never support terror.

“We strongly declare that IS is a terrorist organization which has nothing to do with Islam. And we will mobilize Islamic scholars and clerics who would be attending the death anniversary of our founder. We will get them to sign the fatwa against IS and will issue it on the last day of the Urs (death anniversary ritual),” he told The Hindu.

The step comes on the occasion of death anniversary of the sect’s founder, Maulana Ahmad Raza Khan, to be observed from December 6-8.

Darul-Uloom-Deoband

Source: Wikimedia

Located in Deoband, a town in Saharanpur district of Uttar Pradesh, this seminary usually keeps a low profile. But this time, they have decided to create awareness against IS through a fatwa against terrorism.

“There should not be any doubt about our condemnation of this group which calls itself IS in strongest possible terms. And there should also be no doubt that this group has nothing to do with Islam because Islam never teaches killing innocent people,” Maulana Abul Qasim Nomani, Vice-Chancellor of Darul-Uloom-Deoband told The Hindu.

Condemnation of terror by these Madrasas is not something new. Darul-Uloom-Deoband had also issued a fatwa against terror early in 2008, and had criticized terror on several occasions before that.

Another seminary at the 100-year-old Sunni organisation, Darul-ifta Firangi Mahal, also issued a fatwa against the IS. Head of the organization, Maulana Khalid Rasheed Firangi Mahali, informed that the fatwa condemns all activities of the IS and has been signed by 1,000 scholars.

Like this story? Or have something to share? Write to us: [email protected], or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter (@thebetterindia).

Similar Story

Want to Play a Role in Shaping India’s Climate Laws & Policies? Here’s a One-Stop Guide

Civis, a platform that enables citizens to participate in public consultations in the domain of environment and policy has released Climate Voices. This is a handbook and guide for Indians to participate in environmental law-making and play an active role in shaping our climate policies.

If you found our stories insightful, informative, or even just enjoyable, we invite you to consider making a voluntary payment to support the work we do at The Better India. Your contribution helps us continue producing quality content that educates, inspires, and drives positive change.

Choose one of the payment options below for your contribution-

₹201 ₹501 ₹1001

By paying for the stories you value, you directly contribute to sustaining our efforts focused on making a difference in the world. Together, let's ensure that impactful stories continue to be told and shared, enriching lives and communities alike.

Thank you for your support. Here are some frequently asked questions you might find helpful to know why you are contributing?