Need for Muslims in Uttarakhand to introspect, reflect and act to face ruling dispensation onslaught
Need for Muslims in Uttarakhand to introspect, reflect and act to face ruling dispensation onslaught
Khurshid Ahmed Siddiqui
Dehradun, June 9
Will protests and demonstrations by the community truly yield a permanent solution against the sealing of mosques and madrasas and razing of Mazars being undertaken by the ruling dispensation —on grounds of encroachment, illegal construction, or lack of registration citing demographic changes? While this might bring about some temporary solace, a lasting solution requires the entire Muslim community to unite, formulate a serious action plan, and make some difficult decisions.
The first and foremost, we must strictly adhere to all principles of Sharia, regardless of whether the immediate outcome is beneficial or detrimental. Following the path shown by Allah and His Messenger (PBUH) is our primary responsibility.
Religious, social, and political leadership must convey a unified message that we stand together to resolve the issues facing the *Ummah* (Muslim community) and struggle collectively.
Categorized data regarding all mosques and madrasas in Uttarakhand should be collected, compiling full details on their ownership, registration, and other legal documents. If any land is found to be genuinely government-owned or disputed, it should be vacated voluntarily in accordance with Sharia principles, thereby ensuring that the institutions in question are legally and religiously above board. A precedent for this can be found in the mosque complex in Mustafabad, Delhi, where Muslims themselves dismantled the *wudu-khana* (ablution area) structure.
Should any issue arise thereafter, it must be contested vigorously in court through consultations among all responsible stakeholders. If peaceful protests become necessary, every individual in the community should participate according to their capacity. A clear framework for such protests should be devised, mirroring the peaceful and disciplined manner in which the Tibetan and Christian communities convey their concerns to the government and administration.
Instead of merely delivering emotional speeches, speakers must educate the public on legal and constitutional aspects. Patience, discipline, and the maintenance of peace and order are essential for sustaining a long-term struggle.. It must also be ensured that if a situation requiring litigation arises, the burden does not fall upon just a few individuals; the entire community must step forward to cooperate. Transparent records of all forms of financial and social support should be maintained to ensure the proper utilization of resources.
It must also be determined that religious, social, and political leadership does not remain a mere spectator but becomes an active part of the entire action plan, standing united at every level.
Every action should be undertaken solely for the sake of Allah Almighty and to seek His pleasure. There is a need to rise above personal fame, position, and gain, and to work with *Lillahiyat* (sincerity and devotion for the sake of God).
The time has come to make sacrifices to protect our constitutional and legal rights; therefore, there is a need for collective and united decision-making. We must act with a deep understanding of the rights granted by the Constitution and remain within the ambit of the law, as the freedoms enshrined in the Constitution also come with certain limitations and responsibilities.
( The writer is a social worker)
