11-15-2006, 09:09 PM
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin--><b>There is no caste in Islam </b>
Pioneer.com
Shuja-ul-Haq | New Delhi
Reservation should be based on economic criteria
The Ulema is of the opinion that reservation for followers of Islam can be on the basis of economic criterion. Since Islam is a casteless religion, a caste-based quota for Muslims could go against the tenets of the religion.
"Yes, Islam is not a caste based religion and by saying this we mean that there has to be no discrimination. But if people are identified on the basis of their economic condition it won't be against Islam. This is practically for the purpose of identification, as people are identified for Zakkat, a process in which it is made mandatory for the well-off to give money to the underprivileged," says Mufti M Mukarram Ahmed, Shahi Imam of Fatehpuri Mosque.
While a debate in different quarters is raging on the issue of reservations for Muslims, the community feels it is naught but politics. "It is about giving the less privileged what they deserve for the betterment of the whole society but unfortunately politics is being played on such an issues also," says the Mufti.
Commenting on the need that Muslims should also be given a helping hand on the basis of their economic status, the Mufti further adds, "Article 341 of the Constitution provides the status of Scheduled Caste to Dalits. It also provides special aid and facilities for the advancement of Scheduled Caste people in every walk of life. But para 3 of the Article bars the members of religious minorities. Practically this is injustice for all members of the minority communities.
<b>"A Muslim dhobi is a dhobi by profession just like a person of any other religion who does the same work. He is called a dhobi as he is identified by his profession. So if they decide to give reservation by identifying the weak sections it won't be against Islam."</b> <!--emo&
--><img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin.gif' /><!--endemo-->Â <!--emo&--><img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin.gif' /><!--endemo-->
The raging issue is such that many believe that any move may polarize the society, something the Ulema doesn't agree to. This justification remains that Muslims are a part of this country and if the country has to progress each section has to be given equal attention.
"It has been proved that certain sections of Muslims in this country are backward. So if something is done for those who are backward, I don't think any responsible citizen will mind. In fact I believe that there would be many people in the majority community who will support this cause."
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Pioneer.com
Shuja-ul-Haq | New Delhi
Reservation should be based on economic criteria
The Ulema is of the opinion that reservation for followers of Islam can be on the basis of economic criterion. Since Islam is a casteless religion, a caste-based quota for Muslims could go against the tenets of the religion.
"Yes, Islam is not a caste based religion and by saying this we mean that there has to be no discrimination. But if people are identified on the basis of their economic condition it won't be against Islam. This is practically for the purpose of identification, as people are identified for Zakkat, a process in which it is made mandatory for the well-off to give money to the underprivileged," says Mufti M Mukarram Ahmed, Shahi Imam of Fatehpuri Mosque.
While a debate in different quarters is raging on the issue of reservations for Muslims, the community feels it is naught but politics. "It is about giving the less privileged what they deserve for the betterment of the whole society but unfortunately politics is being played on such an issues also," says the Mufti.
Commenting on the need that Muslims should also be given a helping hand on the basis of their economic status, the Mufti further adds, "Article 341 of the Constitution provides the status of Scheduled Caste to Dalits. It also provides special aid and facilities for the advancement of Scheduled Caste people in every walk of life. But para 3 of the Article bars the members of religious minorities. Practically this is injustice for all members of the minority communities.
<b>"A Muslim dhobi is a dhobi by profession just like a person of any other religion who does the same work. He is called a dhobi as he is identified by his profession. So if they decide to give reservation by identifying the weak sections it won't be against Islam."</b> <!--emo&
--><img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin.gif' /><!--endemo-->Â <!--emo&--><img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin.gif' /><!--endemo--> The raging issue is such that many believe that any move may polarize the society, something the Ulema doesn't agree to. This justification remains that Muslims are a part of this country and if the country has to progress each section has to be given equal attention.
"It has been proved that certain sections of Muslims in this country are backward. So if something is done for those who are backward, I don't think any responsible citizen will mind. In fact I believe that there would be many people in the majority community who will support this cause."
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