Those who object to my attending the function should perhaps go to Pakistan : Dr Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi

Threats and ‘fatwa’ against a Muslim cleric for attending pranapratishtha ceremony

New Delhi – Dr Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, the Chief of ‘All India Imam Organisation’ attended the pranapratishtha ceremony at Shriram Mandir on 22nd January 2024 which has created an ire amongst fanatic Muslims. He has been threatened with life and even a ‘fatwa’ has been issued against him.

Dr Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi said,

I want to point out that this is not an Islamic country. This is India. There is unity in diversity in India. If these people have issues about my giving a message of love by attending the ceremony, I believe in the country. If they feel I have committed a mistake, they should perhaps go to Pakistan. I have not done any wrong. I do not believe in any ‘fatwa’. I stand firm on my views and will not change them for these people.

An atmosphere of hatred is being created against me. Abusive language is used against my family and me. A ‘fatwa’ has been issued on behalf of Mufti Sabir Hussaini against me. He has published my mobile number in his post and made it viral across the country. They want me to apologise and resign, or else be prepared for the consequences.

I received the invitation for the pranapratishtha ceremony of Shriramlalla. I contemplated for two days and decided I must go for the ceremony in national interest. It will create an atmosphere of harmony in this country. I knew that there would be opposition.

I attended the ceremony as the Chief Imam. I was welcomed when I went to Ayodhya. Other saints and Seers also gave me due respect. I gave the message of love. I had said that our castes, sects, and methods of worship can be different, but humanity is the highest religion. Everyone living in India is an Indian.

We all should make India powerful. The country is above all for us. Today’s message is to eliminate hatred.

Editorial Perspective

Please note that the secularists, progressives, socialists, and communists, who are always spitting venom against Hindus and branding them as extremists, never say a word about the incident such as a leader like Ilaysi receiving threats from people of his own community.