Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind Organizes Crucial Meeting of Members of Parliament on Uniform Civil Code

New Delhi, July 24, 2023: Distinguished Members of Parliament and prominent leaders from the Muslim community gathered at the Oberoi Hotel in Delhi for a crucial meeting organized by Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind President, Maulana Mahmud Asa’d Madani, to discuss the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC). The meeting focused on addressing concerns related to the UCC, particularly its potential impact on the cultural and religious rights of the Muslim minority and tribal communities.

In his opening address, Maulana Mahmood Asa'd Madani emphasized that the implementation of a uniform civil code might jeopardize the constitutional principles of religious diversity, minority rights, equality and justice. He stressed the importance of preserving India's rich cultural and religious diversity while safeguarding the religious rights and interests of the Muslim community.

During the meeting, Advocate MR Shamshad delivered a comprehensive analysis through a Power Point Presentation, shedding light on the possible pitfalls of the Uniform Civil Code. He specifically highlighted the potential adverse effects on Muslim women, illustrating how the proposed code could alter certain rights prescribed by the Muslim Personal Law (Sharia Act). He pointed out that the current Muslim Personal Law Act places the burden of supporting the entire family on the husband or father, whereas the UCC, based on the notion of so called equality, would distribute the burden of maintenance equally between the husband and wife. Additionally, under the UCC, Muslim women would lose certain rights to property, such as mahar, inheritance, and marital property, as recognized under the existing personal laws.

Members of Parliament attentively listened to the concerns raised by Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind and expressed their views on the matter. They acknowledged the significance of addressing such concerns before any major legislative decisions are made. The parliamentarians pledged their support to uphold the values of secularism, inclusivity, and social integrity and criticized any attempts by the ruling party to politicize the issue. They emphasized the need for a thorough examination of the draft before its implementation.

The gathering witnessed the presence of several Members of Parliament, including Karti P. Chidambaram from Congress, Hasnain Masoudi from National Conference, Mehboob Ali Qaiser from LGP, Dr. Muhammad Javed from Congress, Kunwar Danish Ali from BSP, ET Muhammad Bashir from Indian Muslim League, Abdul Samad Samdani from Indian Muslim League, and Imran Pratapgarh from Congress. In addition, representatives from selected Muslim organizations, including Saadatullah Hussaini, Amir Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Malik Mohtsham, Naib Amir Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Maulana Asghar Ali, Imam Mehdi Salafi, Amir Markazi Jamiat Ahle Hadith Hind, and Maulana Hakimuddin Qasmi, General Secretary of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, Maulana Niaz Ahmed Farooqui, Secretary Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, Owais Sultan etc were also present. In conclusion, Maulana Hakimuddin Qasmi expressed gratitude to all the esteemed guests for their participation and engagement in this crucial discussion.