Recently on way to office, I came across
an appeal displayed at prominent places in NCR. This appeal was by Mr. Najeeb
Jung, Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, NCR and it exhorted young men to desist from
causing mayhem and chaos on the streets of Delhi on the sacred night of
Shab-e-baraat. Shab-e-Baraat was observed on the night of 22nd-23rd
May this year. All the metropolitan newspapers also carried this appeal. In
recent times youths on speeding motorcycles in utter disregard to traffic rules and norms, freaking aimlessly and recklessly on the night
of Shab-e-Baraat has become a nuisance to others causing traffic disruptions.
The origin of this practice is not known. It certainly does not have its origin
in Shariat. Yet I am baffled to note that the Muslim clerics never issue fatwas
against such practices which does not have the sanction of shariat. They
however are quite alert and agile in issuing fatwas otherwise. For example the
clerics of Darul Uloom Deoband of Meerut issued a fatwa over the “Common Yoga
Protocol” issued by the Ministry of AYUSH for the upcoming celebration of “International
Yoga Day” on June 21st even though the Ministry clarified that chanting of “OM” and other vedic
mantras before the yoga session on the International Yoga Day is not compulsory
but voluntary”. Likewise Dargah Aala Hazrat has issued fatwa against usage of
product in which cow urine is mixed. “As per shariat people should not eat, drink
or apply them”- it ruled. While cow’s milk is acceptable how come medicinal
products derived from cow becomes unacceptable? And why should one always
invoke “shariat” to issue fatwas? I believe religion is a matter of
personal faith and belief and it should lead to free thinking and must not be
imposed from above.
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