WFPIST Chief Urges Protection of Muslims’ Rights in India
In a statement released following a recent ban on Hijab in an Indian state, Hojat-ol-Islam Hamid Shahriari highlighted respect for the great nation of India and said Muslims are an inseparable part of the South Asian country’s history and dignity.
He noted that Indian Muslims are known for their compassion, peace, love of culture and defending their country’s independence and freedom.
They are committed to their religious teachings and traditions just as they committed to their national tradition, the cleric said, adding that their rights should be respected and protected.
Hojat-ol-Islam Shahriari stressed that India’s dignity and glory lies in respecting people and protecting the rights of followers of all religions and faiths.
Referring to the recent Hijab ban and subsequent hearings about the issue in India’s courts, he said any decision that involves neglecting Muslims’ rights would mean a new challenge to peaceful coexistence in the great country of India.
He called for resorting to reason to resolve the issue with the help of scholars and religious leaders.
Earlier this month, hijab-wearing Muslim girl students were barred from entering schools and colleges across India’s Karnataka State.
The Karnataka High Court, in an interim order, has restrained all students, regardless of their religion or faith, from wearing saffron shawls, scarfs, hijab, religious flags, or the like inside classrooms.
The hijab ban has galvanized public sentiment, with people of all faiths questioning religious freedom and equality in one of the world’s most diversified countries.
It has also stoked fears among the Muslim community about increasing persecution under the Hindu-nationalist government.
