Insaniyat is foremost, religion comes next: Dr Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi

From issuing a fatwa six months ago to make mainstream education compulsory for Muslim girls and stressing that all madrasas in India should lay emphasis on modern education besides religious studies, Dr Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi – the Chief Imam of India and President of the All India Imam Organisation (AIIO) said the Union Government, without changing the Sharia, should frame a model nikahnama to protect the rights of women against the menace of triple talaq.

“There should be a clause of arbitration in the nikahnama, which would safeguard the rights of women. There should also be a change of attitude in men towards women and women have to come in the fore for their rights,” said the chief Imam.

Speaking exclusively to Deccan Chronicle on the sidelines of the Iftar party, which was hosted by the Consul General of State of Israel in Bengaluru Yael Hashavit and supported by Indo Economic Trade Organisation in the City on Wednesday, the chief Imam dwelled on wide ranging issues; from Kashmir and global terrorism to lack of education amongst Indian Muslims, triple talaq and ban on cow slaughter.

Worldwide terrorism has become the biggest security concern from global jihadist organisations Al Qaeda and ISIS. Many Indian youth have also joined the ranks and file of AQ and ISIS. What are your views on the terror organisations, which claim to be ideologues of Islam?

Terrorism has become a booming global business. It has nothing to with religious ideology. Islam does not give permission to its followers to kill even an ant. I have appealed to Al Qaeda, Jaish-e-Mohammed and Islamic State to change their names immediately because they have tarnished the name of Islam and Prophet Mohammed (PBUH). These organisations are leading Muslim youth astray. Unemployment and poverty are the root causes of terrorism and countries across the world should address these twin issues to arrest the rise of terrorism. 

How do you think a change can be brought in the minds of young vulnerable youth?
Modern education, employment and inclusion in society are necessary to engage young minds in productive and proactive thinking. Community elders, religious and faith leaders play an important role in showing the right path to the youth. Some faith leaders are misleading the youth with hate speeches during the Friday sermons. They should stop doing so. I am willing to lead from the front to brain wash the neo terror recruits and bring them back to mainstream. Insaniyat (humanity) is foremost. Religion comes next. There’s a bigger and more sinister threat from the social media. This should be controlled. This generation and the future generation are at big risk otherwise.

You have time and again expressed to the separatists that Kashmir is an integral part of India. Is anybody listening?
Kashmir is and will remain an integral part of India and it is for everyone to believe it. After Eid I will meet the grand Mufti of Kashmir Mufti Basheer Saheb and the separatists. As a religious leader they will listen to me. I will also appeal to the Union Government to engage in dialogue with the people of Kashmir and win over their confidence. The stone pelting youth need employment and inclusion. 

You are very vocal about mainstream education for Muslims. How do you think the change can be brought in at the grass roots level?
India has 7.5 lakh madrasas – the largest in the world. They should introduce modern education and make it compulsory for the children. The biggest problem with Muslim youth is lack of modern education. They are unable to find employment because of this.

Ban on cow slaughter has become a contentious issue. Do you support the ban?
Yes. Cow is a religious and emotional icon of a religious community and the Centre should declare it as the national animal. The trouble is that in a federal set up different states have their own rules and the Muslims are bearing the brunt of the contentious issue. By declaring the cow as the national animal the controversies will be put to rest once and for all.

What are views on triple talaq? Should it be outlawed?
The debate on talaq should be changed to nikah. Islam talks of bringing people together and not breaking relationships. I agree that triple talaq has troubled many Muslim women and the time has come for an attitudinal change among men. Women should come out in the fore to fight for their rights. I feel that the Union Government without touching the Sharia should bring in an administrative change and frame a model nikahnama, which ensures protection of women from such practices. There should be an arbitration clause involving women aleemas. We should have Sharia courts in India like in Israel.

What is the solution to Israel and Palestine issue?
I support the two nation theory. They both have equal rights. They should leave the past behind and come together on a two nation resolution. World leaders should play a positive role in this and ensuring peace in the region. Our Prime Minister is visiting Israel next month. His visit is very symbolic for strengthening Indo-Israel ties and I hope India plays an important role in bringing peace in the region.