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In a controversial statement, Maulana Mahmood Madani, the head of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind, made strong remarks regarding the concept of "jihad," which led to sharp criticism from the BJP. The party condemned his comments as inflammatory and claimed they were an attempt to drive a wedge within the nation. In a direct and provocative statement, Madani declared, “if there is oppression, there will be jihad,” accusing both the judiciary and the government of neglecting the rights of minorities.

Speaking at a Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind meeting in Bhopal, Madani asserted that, in the present time, there has been an uptick in efforts to foster hatred against Islam and Muslims. He pointed out that terms like "jihad" were being intentionally associated with violence and terrorism.

He continued, stating, "Terms like Love Jihad, Land Jihad, Spit Jihad have been coined to defame Muslims. In Islam, Jihad means struggle against injustice and oppression. Whenever there is oppression, there will be Jihad."

Madani accused Muslims of being continually targeted, with their religious attire, identity, and way of life being questioned. He argued that while Muslims are equal citizens of India, their access to education, employment, and social equality is increasingly under threat.

The Maulana also raised concerns about the impartiality of the judiciary. While courts should be neutral, he suggested that certain decisions had cast doubt on the judiciary's independence. He went on to say that the Supreme Court’s authority could only be upheld if it remained fully faithful to the Constitution. He warned that the silence of a large segment of the population could lead the country toward danger if they aligned themselves with those spreading hatred.

Madani alleged that Muslims were being made to feel insecure, as an environment of bulldozer actions, mob lynchings, economic boycotts, and hate campaigns was being deliberately fostered. He further claimed that laws against religious conversion had criminalised Muslim proselytisation and education, while certain groups were being allowed complete freedom.

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He also criticised government interference in Waqf properties, stating that such interference was unacceptable as Waqf was a trust for Muslims, and any intrusion would not be tolerated.

Madani took issue with how the media and the government have misrepresented jihad in public discourse. He accused them of distorting a sacred concept, particularly through labels like “love jihad,” “spit jihad,” and “land jihad,” which he said misrepresented the true meaning of jihad. “Jihad was and will always remain holy,” he emphasised, adding that religious texts describe jihad as a concept intended “for the good and betterment of others.” Reiterating his earlier statement, he declared, “If there is oppression, then there will be jihad.”

However, Madani clarified that India’s secular, democratic framework prohibits any violent interpretation of jihad. “Here, Muslims show loyalty to the Constitution,” he asserted. He placed the onus on the government to protect citizens’ rights, claiming, “if the government doesn’t do this, then the government is responsible.”

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Madani also provoked further debate with his comments on the patriotic slogan, Vande Mataram. He said, “A dead community surrenders. If they say ‘say Vande Mataram,’ they will start reading it. This will be the identity of a dead community. If we are a living community, we will have to face the situation.”

BJP’s Reacts Strongly

Madani's remarks sparked a swift and sharp reaction from BJP MP and national spokesperson Sambit Patra. He criticised the Maulana’s statements in Bhopal, particularly his comment that jihad should be waged whenever there is oppression. Patra described the comment as not only provocative but also divisive. He stated, “I think that word is so incorrect. We have seen people spreading terror under the name of Jihad, not just in India but across the world…”

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