Chief Imam Shuts Down Those Who Issued A Fatwa Against Him For Attending The Ram Mandir Event

On January 22, the much-awaited opening of the Ram Mandir took place in the northern Indian city of Ayodhya. The temple was devoted to Lord Ram and has been revered by Hindus worldwide for the last 500 years. Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed a consecration ceremony in front of a freshly constructed, floral, and gold-adorned Lord Ram’s sculpture. Constructed by Arun Yogiraj, the four-foot-tall idol represented a noteworthy advancement in the continued building of the vast temple complex.

Notably, the ceremony was attended by nearly 7,000 VVIPs while a large throng of people were waiting outside the temple premises. From Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan to business mogul Mukesh Ambani, this worldwide spectacle has attracted almost everyone.

The excitement that the event has generated across the country highlights its historical significance, having started as a movement in the 1980s and culminated in the achievement of the BJP’s long-standing objective. In addition to signifying the completion of the temple, the day also denotes the end of long-standing hostilities between Muslims and Hindus in the nation.

A fatwa was issued against Muslim cleric for attending the Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha ceremony

In a gesture of unity, the temple regulatory committee extended an invitation to Dr. Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, Chief Imam of the All India Imam Organization (AIIO). Notably, he not only attended the ceremony but also prayed for the country’s communal harmony.

Although he has received a lot of appreciation for his inclusive approach, Imam Ilyasi has come under fire from various quarters for his choice to take part in the consecration ceremony.

According to reports, a fatwa has been issued, calling on other clerics to take action against Imam Ilyasi.

#WATCH | “This is the face of new India. Our biggest religion is humanity. For us, the nation is first,” says Dr. Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, Chief Imam, All India Imam Organization at Ayodhya Ram Temple ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony. pic.twitter.com/IRYRW5YgAu

— ANI (@ANI) January 22, 2024

Imam Ilyasi hits back at Muslim organizations that issued fatwas against him

In response to the recent developments, the Imam asserted his intention to issue a counter-fatwa, challenging the one imposed on him. Stating his perspective, he emphasized,

“I am not living in a Muslim country…This does not apply to me… I’ll challenge it.”

The Islamic cleric also revealed that he was facing protests after his participation in the Pran Pratishtha ceremony. He also said that he took proactive measures by informing Home Minister Amit Shah and the Delhi police commissioner. Additionally, the Imam called for a meeting of all Imams to address the situation. He said,

“I have informed the Home Minister Amit Shah, Delhi police commissioner about it and have called a meeting of all Imams.”

#WATCH | Delhi | Fatwa issued against Chief Imam of All India Imam Organization, Dr Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi after he attended the Pranpratishtha ceremony of Ram Lalla at Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

He says, “As a chief Imam, I received the invitation from Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth… pic.twitter.com/iVe2bA3s1X

— ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2024

This has led to a dispute over a fatwa. For the uninitiated, a fatwa is generally understood to be an Islamic legal pronouncement given by an established authority.

After attending the Ayodhya consecration event, Imam Ilyasi emphasized his dedication to promoting values of love and unity. He affirmed the inclusive ideals of the country and complimented Prime Minister Narendra Modi for spreading a “message of unity.” He added,

“This is the face of new India. Our biggest religion is humanity. For us, the nation is first.”