Maulana Mahmood Madani
NEW DELHI: Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind chief Mahmood Madani on Saturday urged the Muslim community not to be a “murda qaum” (lifeless community) but to remain “zinda” (active) and confront challenges head-on.Speaking at a public rally in Bhopal, Madani said, “We are facing challenges and difficulties… a ‘murda qaum’ surrenders when confronted with hardships. If you are weak, they will ask you to recite Vande Mataram, and you will oblige. But this is the mark of a ‘murda qaum.’” He added, “To be a ‘zinda qaum,’ you must be courageous and face the situation. Remember, it is always a ‘zinda qaum’ that is challenged. They will keep testing you – don’t lose patience.”Hitting out at Madani, the BJP accused him of attempting to “vitiate” communal harmony. “He is a completely political person. I heard his speech. He was describing ‘jihad’ in an Islamic context… but he contradicted himself and said, ‘agar hum pe zulm hoga, toh jihad hoga’ (there will be jihad if we are oppressed). Who is he threatening — the Government of India?” Delhi BJP spokesperson Yaser Jilani told news agency ANI. Jilani warned Madani against issuing what he called “threats.” “Don’t threaten like this. The Government of India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi think for everyone. Mahmood Madani is trying to vitiate harmony,” he stated.