Maulana Mahmood Madani Clarifies: Muslims Love Their Country, But Worship Only Allah

Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh: Maulana Mahmood Madani, President of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind, has strongly responded to a recent statement by Dattatreya Hosabale, the General Secretary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Speaking from Deoband on Tuesday, Maulana Madani clarified that Muslims worship only Allah, and the fundamental Islamic principle of Tawheed (the oneness of God) cannot be compromised.

Commenting on the RSS leader’s suggestion that Muslims should worship elements like the sun, rivers, or trees, Maulana Madani said, “Muslims can love their homeland, protect it, and serve it, but worship is reserved solely for God. Islam does not allow the worship of any other object, entity, or force.”

Distinguishing Love for Nation and Worship:
Maulana Madani emphasized that loving one’s country, safeguarding it, and serving it are entirely different from acts of worship. He highlighted that the invitation to Indian Muslims to worship natural elements reflects a misunderstanding of the crucial difference between being dear (priya) and being worshipped (poojya).

He further stated, “Hindus and Muslims have lived together in India for centuries. The Islamic belief in Tawheed and its method of worship is clear to any discerning person. Yet, despite being educated, leaders at the top of the RSS have not seriously attempted to understand Islam and the Muslim community—a regrettable oversight.”

A Call for Respect and Harmony:
Maulana Madani described Hosabale’s remarks as unfortunate and cautioned that such statements could send the wrong message to society. He urged all communities to respect each other’s religious beliefs and warned that commenting on any community’s faith without understanding could harm the social fabric. Emphasizing national harmony, he called for awareness and sensitivity in public statements concerning religious beliefs.