Deoband

In response to the controversy over Darul Uloom of Deoband issuing fatwas that reportedly clash with the law of the land, particularly with regards to the rights of children, the Islamic seminary has broken its silence. The National Child Commission for Protection of Child Rights has taken note of the content of its website and issued notice to the UP government to take action within 10 days.

Mufti Abul Qasim Nomani, superintendent of the Darul Uloom said that the “fatwa is for those who believe in and follow the Shariah (Islamic law). The fatwa is always based on the Shari'ah and is given on demand.”

An unidentified person has lodged a complaint with the NCPCR about several fatwas issued from Darul Uloom that seem to be in contravention to the law of the land.

The complainant claimed the fatwas are against the provisions of the Indian law.

Following this, the NCPCR has written a letter to the chief secretary of the UP government and directed him to check the website and examine its contents. The UP government is supposed to submit a report to the commission within ten days.

Mufti Abul Qasim Nomani said that he has not received official communication on the issue, so far and he has been getting information about it only from the media. “No notice or letter has reached us. when we are asked for information and clarifications we will respond in the light of the law,” he said.

Maulana Nomani said that the institution does not issue fatwas on its own. If any member of the Muslim community asks for a fatwa in the light of Shariah, only then it’s issued. “Fatwa is only for those who believe in Shariah and follow it. It is not forced on anyone,” he said.

The person who complained told the commission that Darul Uloom in one of its fatwas permits Muslims to go for adoption but tells them that the child, on becoming an adult has no right over the family property or inheritance. The complainant has fished out a series of fatwas regarding children and handed these over to the NCPCR.

Checking the content of its official website, it’s clear that people ask Darul Uloom, questions related to marriage, divorce, halal, haraam, inheritance, etc.

The concerned Muftis (legal experts) respond to them in the light of Shariah. Darul Uloom issues more than one and a half thousand fatwas every year.