'Refrain from announcements, fatwas hurting people'

Md. Nooruddin, President of the West Bengal unit of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH), on Friday said all communities should refrain from issuing "fatwas" or "announcements" that talk about hurting people or demeaning them socially.

"Giving fatwas about hurting people or defaming them is a form of intolerance. There should not be fatwas like this against political leaders or eminent personalities. Such fatwas should not be issued by any community," the JIH Bengal chief told IANS.

He was responding to questions about cleric Syed Sha Atef Ali Al Quaderi's recent announcement of a Rs 10 lakh bounty for anyone shaving Bollywood singer Sonu Nigam's head, as well as Shahi Imam of Tipu Sultan Mosque Maulana Noor-ur Rahman Barkati, who had in January issued a fatwa against Prime Minister Narendra Modi over "harassment" of people following demonetisation.

"He (Quaderi) has made a mistake by making those statements. If azaan is causing disturbance to someone, then it has to be seen why that is happening. Fatwas cannot be issued just like that on such issues. It is generally issued for bigger matters," Nooruddin said.

"Islam does not allow disturbing people in any way. On the other hand, no one should interfere with the religious rights of the Muslims... that is also equally incorrect," he added.

Quaderi had on April 18 announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh to anyone who shaves off the singer's head and garlands him with footwear after Nigam lashed out at "forced religiousness" in India after being woken up by the Azaan from a mosque near his home.

He later clarified that he was not against any religion.

A BJP youth leader had recently announced a bounty to behead West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.