Maulana Mahmood Madani, general secretary, Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind (M), is known for being vocal on the issues facing Indian Muslims. A former Rajya Sabha member of the Samajwadi Party, he is a staunch advocate of the Hindu-Muslim unity. His popularity soared when he had confronted President of Pakistan, Pervez Musharraf, during latter’s visit to Delhi in April 2005. Mansoorudin Faridi, Editor, Awaz the Voice, Urdu, recently spoke to Maulana Madani on various issues facing the Muslims in Indian: Excerpts from the conversation:

During the Corona pandemic, Muslims of India have shown exemplary behviour by helping people of all faiths. How do you see this?

This is a positive development and a good change. So far, I have only seen such massive humanitarian efforts being undertaken by big organisations. During this humanitarian crisis, Muslims rose to the occasion and served all the people; it has set a trend for the future. I am so happy; it gladdens my heart and gives me satisfaction.

Everything about the corona vaccine is now clear. What is your message to Muslims on this?

It has two aspects: The ulema (religious scholars) from Mumbai have expressed their reservations about the vaccine. I also believe if there is even n iota of suspicion, these should be addressed and removed. As per the media reports, Pfizer and two other vaccine-making companies have clarified that there is no haram (forbidden for Muslims) element in the vaccines. If their claims are verified and confirmed then there is no dispute about it.

Let me say in principle that suppose there is no alternative (for Muslims); even if there is a small suspicion about the presence of unsafe material in the vaccine, the ulema, at the end, will rule that in order to save life and to deal with the disease, Muslims must use this vaccine. In that case Muslims will have no alternative. But before passing such a verdict, let us complete the necessary process. In the meantime, if research and investigation reveal there are no haram elements in any of the vaccines, then what is wrong with it? I am sure that if such a situation arises, the ulema will allow it. But why is it being said that there should be no investigation and Muslims shoould surrender. This is wrong. I do not agree with it.

In fact, the religion permits even use of haram material if it’s about saving a life…

Today we have five vaccines and I can research about them. I can find what is being used in vaccines; what alternative the others have used for ‘haram’ in the vaccine. Why will I choose a vaccine that has haram elements? God forbid if it’s found that all the vaccines have haram elements, then that is an issue and we have to think about.

Why do you want to involve the whole Muslim community in this issue at this stage? I completely agree with my Mumbai brethren that Muslims should use a vaccine that doesn’t have does not contain haram elements. By the way, it is a different matter that they could have used better words in saying so. I support their sentiments that we should search for such a vaccine, which does not contain haram elements. If we get such a vaccine, then we will have the option.

(To be continued)