The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has stated to launch a nationwide campaign against making ‘surya namaskar’ and yoga compulsory in schools.
The board’s executive council took the decision when the Modi government’s plan to observe International Yoga Day on June 21 and related issues came up for discussion at it’s meet on Sunday. At the meeting that was held on Sunday, many members spoke up for a proactive role by the board on issues concerning the community.
Executive council member Maulana Khalid Rasheed Firangi Mahali told in his statement to the media that the board decided to constitute a committee, headed by Maulana Wali Rahmani for the same.
“The board’s view on ‘surya namaskar’ and ‘yoga’ would be put forth by the committee along with the explanation why they go against the beliefs of the Muslims, and why they should not be imposed on their children,” the Maulana further remarked. Another board member Kamaal Farooqui stated that ‘it was against Islam to salute the sun.’ “Surya namaskar should not be made mandatory in government schools,” because Muslims bow only before ‘Allah.’ He also remarked that the board has the option to move the court and to launch a movement against the proposal.
Taking the support of other organisations, not necessarily those of Muslims, and people belonging to other faiths on issues related to the community was also brought up by some executive council members.
Sunday’s meeting which ratified the decisions taken at the board’s annual convention held in Jaipur in December 2014 decided to name Maulana Rahmani as the acting general secretary and constitute a team of spokespersons for presenting the board’s views. Maulana Syed Nizamuddin will continue as general secretary.
This was disclosed to journalists by board spokesman Maulana Abdul Rehman Qureshi, though there was no official briefing of the same. It was only a matter of fact that Maulana Rahmani who made a forceful and urgent plea for setting up a panel of spokespersons for giving instant reactions, because by the time the official response (from the board’s spokesman) came, it was too late. The decision to name spokespersons was taken after it was felt that there should be more interaction with the press.
The issue was raised at the meeting by Qasim Rasool Ilyas, who stated that the media played a pivotal role and hence should be kept informed of the board’s activities.
Tags: Muslim Law Board Suryanamaskar Yoga
