The viral video of SP MP Maulana Mohibullah holding political discussions in a mosque has sparked outrage among Islamic scholars and the Muslim community. Religious leaders have condemned it as against Sharia law and demanded an apology. The opposition has attacked the SP, while criticism is mounting on social media.
Saharanpur: Maulana Mohibullah Nadvi, Samajwadi Party (SP) MP from Rampur, is once again at the center of discussion, but this time the reason is not a political statement but rather engaging in politics within a mosque. In a viral video, Maulana Mohibullah is seen inside a mosque with SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and some female representatives, holding political discussions near the Imam's prayer niche (Musalla). The emergence of this scene has triggered a wave of criticism not only in religious circles but also in political arenas.
Politics in Mosque: Where Does Sharia Stand?
Senior Islamic scholar and Maulana Qari Ishaq Gora, associated with Mecca Sharif, has bly criticized this incident. He stated that turning a mosque into a political platform is strictly against Sharia law. He argues that a mosque is the house of Allah, where only worship, recitation, and discussions of spiritual peace should take place. Qari Ishaq said, "Mosques are not for politics. Adherence to Islamic rules is mandatory there. It is Allah's sacred place. Those who use the mosque for their political agendas not only violate Sharia law but also hurt the sentiments of the entire Muslim community."
Demand for Apology from Maulana Mohibullah
Qari Ishaq Gora clearly stated that Maulana Mohibullah should publicly apologize for this entire act and seek repentance from Allah. He also said that a senior leader like Akhilesh Yadav should also take care to maintain the sanctity and dignity of religious places. After this video went viral on social media, many Muslim organizations and clerics have also raised objections to this issue. They say that using the mosque for political purposes is a direct violation of Islamic traditions and values.
Opposition Targets the Blending of Politics and Religion
This issue has now become a weapon for opposition parties as well. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and other parties have bly attacked the SP. A BJP spokesperson issued a statement saying, "SP leaders have no regard for the sanctity of the mosque. They can go to any extent for electoral gains. This incident exposes their true character."
Outrage in Muslim Community, Uproar on Social Media
After the incident, resentment has been observed in many sections of the Muslim community. Strong reactions against Maulana Mohibullah are being seen on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram. Some have described it as an insult to the dignity of Islam, while others have labeled the SP as a party that engages in Muslim vote bank politics.
What Did Maulana and Akhilesh Say?
So far, no formal statement has been issued by Maulana Mohibullah Nadvi or Akhilesh Yadav regarding this controversy. However, some SP workers say that it was a normal visit and no political gathering took place inside the mosque. But the way the leaders' meeting is seen near the Imam's prayer niche in the video weakens that claim.
What Do Religious Rules and Laws Say?
According to Islamic teachings, a mosque is a sacred place where it is advised to refrain from worldly matters, especially politics. Under Sharia law, the use of a mosque is only for religious functions, worship, and education. In India too, there have been disputes over the political use of religious places, and the Election Commission has been issuing guidelines in such cases from time to time.
