Bareilly, April 16 (NationPress) The Chief of All India Muslim Jamaat, Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi, voiced his disapproval on Thursday regarding the Samajwadi Party's (SP) call for a distinct reservation for Muslim women, labeling it as "politically motivated." He reiterated his support for the Women's Reservation Bill, which aims to allocate 33 percent of seats for women in legislative bodies.

Barelvi expressed his endorsement for the proposal championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to improve women's presence through constitutional reforms.

He criticized the Samajwadi Party's approach, suggesting that their push for a unique quota for Muslim women is more about "politics of opposition" rather than actual empowerment.

"When the Samajwadi Party demands a separate reservation for Muslim women, it reflects their political strategy. They are more focused on opposition than on essential developmental matters," remarked Barelvi.

Nonetheless, he acknowledged that the participation of Muslim women in politics is a nuanced topic from an Islamic standpoint.

Barelvi pointed out that the current political climate may not always guarantee the dignity, safety, and modesty of women.

"Islam advises against Muslim women becoming entangled in the complexities of politics. The political landscape today poses challenges to dignity and security," he stated.

Yet, he underscored that Muslim women are constitutionally empowered and possess full voting rights.

"I do not dictate whether one should engage in politics; that is a personal decision. I merely present the Islamic viewpoint," Barelvi noted.

He referred to comments made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah about the Samajwadi Party, asserting that such statements hold merit if they are supported by tangible actions for the welfare of Muslim women.

Meanwhile, the cleric's opinions were met with disagreement from Shahi Mufti of Uttar Pradesh, Maulana Chaudhary Ifraheem Husain, who argued that Islam does not prevent women from engaging in public life.

"This interpretation contradicts Islamic teachings. Women have equal rights to participate in discussions and social services, and there are no restrictions on their involvement in societal issues," Husain asserted.

The differing perspectives highlight an ongoing debate within the Muslim community regarding the role of women in politics, even as national discussions continue about enhancing women's representation in legislative frameworks.

Despite their contrasting views on Muslim women's political engagement, both clerics have expressed support for the Women's Reservation Bill, advocating for increased representation of women in legislative entities.