New Delhi, July 19: Shahi Imam of the Jama Masjid states his opinion on the Islamic tradition of wearing the veil says that dates back to 300 BC, after the lower house of parliament in France approved a ban on sporting the burqa in public.
A man of many controversies, the Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid, Syed Ahmed Bukhari, is never short of quotable quotes. From calling actress Shabana Azmi a ‘nachnewali-gaanewali’ to jumping to Saudi Arabian King Abdullah’s offer to renovate the Jama Masjid, he has always managed to be in the news.
In an interview, the Imam put forth his views on France’s ban on the burqa, a veil that dates back to 300 BC.
France lower house of parliament unanimously passed the burqa ban. Your reaction?
These days Muslims all over the world have to put up with negative things. It’s not just about a restriction on the burqa. What is the problem with the burqa? In logon ko burqa aur Islam se nafrat hai (these people hate the burqa and Islam). The intention is very clear. They don’t like Muslims, and the followers of Islam.
How would you justify the presence of the burqa in modern society?
In modern society, Muslims women are involved in all sorts of work despite wearing the burqa. What is the problem then? Why is wearing a veil being restricted? For over 1,400 years, Muslims around the world have been following their tradition by wearing the burqa. I can’t understand the aim behind the ban. Why put a pabandi (restriction)?
People who want to follow Islam will observe purdah one way or the other. They will not desist from following their religion just because someone is pressurising them. Islam talwar ke zor par nahin hataa hai aur na kabhi hatega (Islam has never bowed to the sword and never will). For those who don’t want to follow the custom, all I’ll say is, it’s their problem.
The burqa is seen as a symbol of subservience?
It is important for a woman to cover herself properly in front of unknown men. Men inevitably look at women who wear shorts or mini skirts. Covering yourself has always been important in Islam, dusro ki nazron se bachne ke liye.
The French immigration minister called the burqa a “walking coffin.” Comment?
They can do whatever they want. What Frenchwomen wear is not beyond criticism. On one hand you say you don’t want to hurt people’s feelings, then you go ahead and do exactly that.
This is why Muslims think they are being discriminated against, and don’t get justice anywhere. That’s why they are raising their voice and holding demonstrations and protests. What else can they do?
According to a survey, 5 million Muslims in France want the burqa banned. Are a large chunk of global Muslims against the burqa?
Do all Muslims wear the burqa even in India? Those who cover up, do it out of their own free will. Drinking was also haram for 1,400 years. But there are a lot of Muslims who drink. What can you do? But haram toh haram hai.
In the UK, Tory leader Philip Holloborne has tabled a private members’ bill that wants to make covering faces in public places illegal. The UK Independence Party also supports it.
You can’t justify things like these. But the entire world wants the same thing.
Sentiments are being provoked and that is why Muslims are protesting all over. Muslims are not getting justice from the governments of the countries they are living in.
What do Indian Muslims think of these prohibitions?
They are writing articles, organising small processions and demonstrations. I don’t think any big decision has been taken in India. But yes, Indian Muslims do not have a good opinion about these oppressive countries.
Will a similar restriction be applied in India?
No, the Constitution has given independence to all religions. I don’t think any party will impose a restriction of this sort to anger Muslims. There have been efforts before; the Congress tried by introducing a bill in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan that wanted to restrict the building of madrasas and masjids without taking prior permission from the district authorities. There has been a lot of anger and protest over that. There have also been attempts to reform the Quran and rewrite some portions. But that is impossible.
How do common Muslim women in India view the burqa?
Kuch modern women hai jo naam ki Musalman hai (there are some modern women who are Muslims only by name). They discuss the issue in debates. But those who follow the customs, don’t agree.
Muslims all over will protest whenever restrictions are imposed. If there is any zulm on the community, they will raise their voice, no matter what differences lie within members of the community.
A French tycoon is setting up a fund to help Muslim women pay burqa fines. Will Muslims in India set up a similar fund to lend them a helping hand?
It’s a good job they are doing. But there are no such plans in India.
The Al Qaeda has threatened to take revenge on France. What are your views?
I am not sure if the Al Qaeda exists at all or whether it is a figment of America’s imagination. I don’t know if Osama Bin Laden is alive or dead or in American custody. I have nothing to say on this.
Belgium was the first country to ban the burqa. Have Muslims left the country after the ban?
Everyone loves their country. Why leave it because of a ban? There should be discussions held in a democratic way. Hamara haq hai awaaz uthana (It is our right to raise our voice). They have forced us to get down to the roads and protest. You ask Muslims around the world, there will be only one answer. They can’t force us down forever.
-Agencies