Islam oldest religion, India as much Mahmood’s as Modi’s: Jamiat chief

Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind chief Mahmud Madani on Friday said that Islam is the oldest religion in the world. Addressing the organization's 34th general meeting on Friday, he also said that India belongs to people like him as well as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. "India is our country. As much as this country belongs to Narendra Modi and Mohan Bhagwat, equally, this country belongs to Mahmood. Neither Mahmood is one inch ahead of them nor are they one inch ahead of Mahmood," the Jamiat chief said.

The Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind chief further added that India is the first homeland of Muslims. He also stated that the claim that Islam is a religion that came from outside is baseless and incorrect. Madani called India the best country for Hindu Muslims. "This land is the first homeland of Muslims. Saying that Islam is a religion that came from outside is totally wrong & baseless. Islam is the oldest religion among all religions. India is the best country for Hindi Muslims," he said at the session.

Mahmood Madani also expressed concern over the alleged rise in Islamophobia and hate speech in the country. The plenary session of the event will take place on Sunday. At the meeting, the Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, a prominent Muslim body, flagged an alleged rise in Islamophobia and demanded that a separate law be passed to specifically punish those who incite violence against minorities. The organization adopted several resolutions, including one on the alleged increase in hate campaigning and Islamophobia in the country.

The Muslim body said it wants to draw the attention of the government in an effort to ensure integrity and build a positive image of India. The steps suggested by the Jamiat should include strict action against elements and media involved in spreading hatred.