Bhopal

At the convention of the Governing Body Council of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind held in Bhopal, the organisation’s chief and former MP Maulana Mahmood Madani delivered an important, profound, and guiding address. He urged Muslims to adopt a nature of inviting people through their conduct and behaviour—not one of hostility or confrontation.

According to him, the true beauty of Islam lies in its message of etiquette, patience, compassion, and humanity, and it is this spirit that must be presented before society in a living form. Muslims should respect the culture and religion of others and build better relationships, while also fulfilling their duty of acquainting people with Islam’s true and universal teachings.

Maulana Madani said that difficult situations and tests must be faced with patience, wisdom, and faith. Citing several verses from the Qur’an, he explained that when the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) faced persecution and mistreatment in Mecca, Allah’s command at that time too was patience and trust.

In Surah 46, Verse 35, Allah says: “Be patient, as were the messengers of firm resolve.” In Surah 33, Verse 48, it is stated: “Do not care about their hurt and trust in Allah.” Similarly, Surah 16 instructs: “Call to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good advice, and argue with them in the best manner.” Surah 41, Verse 34 also teaches that “Repel evil with what is better.”

He said Muslims should learn from the character and mission of Khwaja Gharib Nawaz, Hazrat Moinuddin Chishti Ajmeri. Even in extremely challenging circumstances, Khwaja Sahib won hearts through love, service, and compassion and illuminated millions with the light of monotheism. Because of this merciful character, he was called “Sultan-ul-Hind.” Maulana Madani emphasized that the da’wati mission—bringing to people the message of goodness, truth, and humanity—is the real path of Islam, which progresses not through conflict but through warmth and good conduct.

Maulana Madani also said that the relationship of Indian Muslims with this land is not new but extremely ancient. He noted that, according to traditions, the first human and the first prophet—Hazrat Adam (peace be upon him)—arrived on this very earth. Islam’s message is universal and not limited to any single region. Therefore, India has never been and will never be a foreign land for Muslims. Citing the elders of Jamiat, he recalled that even during the Partition and riots of 1947, Hazrat Maulana Husain Ahmad Madani (may Allah have mercy on him) chose not to leave India. He said, “The service I can render in Hindustan is not possible even in Madina Munawwara.” Around the same time, Hazrat Maulana Zakariya (may Allah have mercy on him) also said, “I have decided to die in Hindustan.” This attitude shows that Indian Muslims have always considered this homeland their responsibility and trust.

During his speech, Maulana Madani strongly objected to the confusion and propaganda spread about the Islamic concept of jihad. He said that political and communal prejudices have falsely equated this sacred word with terrorism, whereas the true meaning of jihad is the struggle for goodness, reform, justice, and the eradication of oppression. Today terms like “love jihad,” “land jihad,” and “spit jihad” have been coined to hurt the religious sentiments of Muslims—and unfortunately, even many responsible figures use such language. He stated clearly that jihad is not a private, personal, or retaliatory action; it can only be declared by a government established in accordance with Islamic law. Since India is a democratic and constitution-based nation, the question of jihad does not arise here. Muslims are loyal to the Constitution and the law of the land, and it is the government’s responsibility to safeguard the rights of all citizens.

He said that there is no nation on earth free from hardships. Hardships are the hallmark of a living community—dead nations do not face trials; they simply give up. Allah says in the Qur’an: “We will surely test you with fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives, and fruits; and give glad tidings to the patient.” Therefore, difficulties are not a sign of weakness but a test for individuals and nations.

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At the end of his address, Maulana Mahmood Madani especially advised Muslims to focus on the education and upbringing of children. He said that children are both a blessing and a test from Allah. The responsibility of parents is not limited to sending a child to school; they must also monitor their character, language, habits, truthfulness, honesty, time-management, and regularity in worship. Children should be given not only knowledge but also morality, culture, and a basic understanding of religion. A child’s emotional development is most crucial—if parents distance them through lack of affection or communication, the damage is greater than anything else. A home filled with love, respect, tolerance, and peace becomes the foundation of a child’s future, and it is such an environment that makes them a healer for society, not a burden.