New Delhi, Feb 12 (NationPress) The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has expressed strong opposition to the recent directive from the Centre that mandates the recitation of all verses of 'Vande Mataram' at official events and schools before the National Anthem 'Jana Gana Mana'. The board deems this mandate as unconstitutional and a violation of religious liberty.

In a statement, AIMPLB General Secretary Maulana Mohammed Fazlur Rahim Mujaddidi articulated that this decision contradicts the fundamental principles of the constitution, secular values, and various Supreme Court verdicts, thereby infringing upon the religious beliefs of Muslims. He labeled the notification as 'completely unacceptable' to the community.

Mujaddidi referenced historical discussions that followed Rabindranath Tagore’s guidance, which led to an agreement in the Constituent Assembly to use only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram in official settings.

He contended that a secular government should not impose one religion's beliefs on adherents of another. He pointed out that the song was composed within the context of Bengal and contains allusions to the worship of Durga and other deities, which Muslims cannot endorse on theological grounds.

'Regardless of the political motivations behind this decision, Muslims cannot accept anything that contradicts their faith,' he asserted, emphasizing that Islam supports the worship of only one God, Allah, without any partners.

The AIMPLB highlighted that courts have previously noted that some verses of the song contradict secular principles and restricted their recitation in certain contexts.

The Board has demanded the immediate retraction of the notification, indicating it will seek legal recourse if the Centre does not reconsider its position.

The Union Home Ministry's order, dated January 28, specifies that the official version featuring all six stanzas of 'Vande Mataram' must be sung at official events. When both the national song and the national anthem are performed, 'Vande Mataram' shall precede 'Jana Gana Mana'.

The directive outlines that the national song will be performed during significant events such as the arrival and departure of the President and Governors at government functions, before and after the President’s national address broadcast on All India Radio and television, and during the hoisting of the national flag.

Additionally, 'Vande Mataram' will be played at civilian award ceremonies, including the Padma awards, and at events attended by the President during arrivals and departures. It will also be played in public venues like cinema halls, although standing will not be mandatory in such cases.