Ulemas soften stand after meeting Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

- In a significant development, Darul-Uloom, Ulemas of Deoband, have changed their 12-year-old stand on Vande Mataram to bring the Hindu-Muslim communities closer.

Bengaluru, Karnataka, India - November 9, 2009 - In a significant development, Darul-Uloom, Ulemas of Deoband, have changed their 12-year-old stand on Vande Mataram to bring the Hindu-Muslim communities closer. This development took place yesterday after a one-hour long meeting between the Ulema and Spiritual & humanitarian leader- His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Founder, The Art of Living.

Present at the meeting with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, were Honourable Maulana Margub Urrrehman of Darul-Uloom, Darul Iftah in charge Mufti Habibur Rehman, who issued the fatwa 12 years ago, Mufti Ehsaan Qasmi and Usman Mansoorpuri of the Jamiat Ulema e Hind.

Ulema said that they do not have any objection to the National song and have left it upto the conscience of Muslims who should decide for themselves whether they want to sing the song or not. However, Maulana Khalik Madrasi of Darul Uloom also said that the 12 year old fatwa on Vande Matram cannot be recalled now.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, Sri Sri said, "I told them that Vande doesn't just mean puja or prayer but also means thanksgiving. The first lines of Vande Mataram are not objectionable in any way. This issue should not be given more importance. The Country is above all and there should be no rift between the Hindu and Muslims."

Quoting a Supreme Court judgment, Sri Sri also said that no one should be pressurized to sing Vande Mataram.

In continuation of His efforts to bring people together, Sri Sri also urged everyone not to rake up issues that can provoke sentiments of either community and said, "It is important to maintain communication links to avoid misunderstandings. Through peaceful talk and dialogue we can solve any issue and transform any situation. We have to have a progressive outlook."

Source : IndiaPRWire

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