Press Release:

 

A Muslim worships only one God and cannot associate anyone with Him: Maulana Arshad Madani

New Delhi, 09 December 2025: Commenting on the debate over Vande Mataram in Parliament today, President Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, Maulana Arshad Madani, said that we have no objection to anyone reading or singing Vande Mataram. However, we want to make it clear once again that a Muslim worships only one God, and cannot associate anyone else with this worship.

He further said that the contents of the poem Vande Mataram are based on polytheistic beliefs and ideas; particularly in its four verses where the homeland is explicitly likened to the deity “Durga Mata,” and words of worship are used for it. This is against the fundamental belief and faith of any Muslim.

Maulana added that the Constitution of India grants every citizen freedom of religion (Article 25) and freedom of expression (Article 19). Under these provisions, no citizen can be forced to adopt any slogan, song, or ideology that goes against their religious beliefs or sentiments. Maulana Madani also said that the Supreme Court has held that no citizen can be compelled to sing the national anthem or any song that conflicts with their religious beliefs.

Maulana Arshad Madani said that love for one’s country is one thing, and worshipping it is another. Muslims do not need a certificate from anyone to prove their love for this nation. The unparalleled sacrifices of Muslims and the elders of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind in the freedom struggle, especially their efforts against the partition of the country, are as clear as daylight. Their struggle for the unity and safety of this nation after independence can never be forgotten. We have always maintained that patriotism is rooted in loyalty and action, not in slogan-shouting.

Maulana Madani said that with regard to Vande Mataram, the historical record is absolutely clear. On 26 October 1937, Rabindranath Tagore advised Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in a letter that only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram should be accepted as the national song, because the remaining verses conflict with the beliefs of monotheistic religions.

On this basis, the Congress Working Committee decided on 29 October 1937 that only two stanzas would be approved as the national song. Therefore, using Tagore’s name today to forcibly impose this poem or insisting on singing it in full is not only an attempt to deny historical facts, but also an insult to national unity and a disrespect to Guru Ji Tagore. It is also regrettable that some people link this matter to the partition of India, whereas Tagore’s advice was meant to promote national unity.

Maulana Madani emphasized that the debate on Vande Mataram should take place within the framework of respect for religious beliefs and constitutional freedoms, not in a manner of political blame-game. Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind appeals to all national leaders not to use such sensitive religious and historical issues for political gain, but to fulfill their constitutional responsibility by promoting mutual respect, tolerance, and unity in the country.

“Vande Mataram” is an excerpt from Bankim Chandra Chatterjee’s novel ‘Anand Math’. Several of its lines contradict Islamic religious principles, which is why Muslims refrain from singing it. The full meaning of the phrase “Vande Mataram” is “Mother, I worship you.” These words clearly indicate that this song is in praise of the Hindu goddess Durga, not the motherland of India. It was written in praise of Goddess Durga.

He said that Islam is a monotheistic religion, which worships one God—Allah—who has no partner, has always existed, will always exist, and has power over everything. Worshipping a country or a mother contradicts this monotheistic principle. Vande Mataram calls for bowing and offering worship to the mother, whereas Islam forbids bowing or worshipping anyone other than Allah.

We are believers in one God; we do not consider anyone besides Allah as our deity, nor do we bow before anyone else. Therefore, we cannot accept this under any circumstances. We would rather die than commit shirk (associating partners with God). We will die as Muslims and live as Muslims, Insha’Allah.

Maulana Madani further asked whether, apart from all these controversial issues, there is no matter of national importance for Parliament to debate. He said that the reports about the country’s economic and financial situation are extremely concerning, and if immediate attention is not given, the country may face a major economic crisis.

But unfortunately, there is no debate on this because such discussions do not bring votes, nor do they create communal polarization, which has now become a tested formula for winning elections.
—
Fazlur Rahman Qasmi
Press Secretary
Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, New Delhi
09891961134