Those who worship other gods don't remain Muslim: Darul Uloom Deoband

Issuing a fatwa against Muslim women who performed ‘Aarti’ (prayers) on Diwali in Varanasi, renowned Islamic seminary Darul Uloom Deoband on Saturday said they cannot call themselves ‘Muslim-Ulema’ if they have worshipped other Gods.

While speaking to the news agency ANI, one of their representatives said, "If anyone worships any god except Allah they don't remain Muslim-Ulema."

The diktat came days after some Muslim women performed ‘Aarti’ on the Diwali eve in Varanasi. The Muslim Mahila Foundation and Vishal Bharat Sansthan organised the event on October 19 to promote communal harmony.

One of the group leaders, Nazneen Ansari said, "Shri Ram is our ancestor. We can change our name and religion, but how we can change our ancestor? Singing in praise of Lord Ram not only bridges the gap between Hindus and Muslms, but also reflects the generosity of Islam.”

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Earlier, the Darul Uloom Deoband issued a fatwa on Wednesday prohibiting Muslim men and women from posting their or their families' photographs on social media sites.

In the fatwa, it was stated that posting photos of self or family on social media sites such as Facebook, WhatsApp is not allowed in Islam.

(With PTI inputs)

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