The Chhattisgarh Waqf Board has mandated that all sermons delivered during Friday prayers must undergo prior vetting to eliminate any political discourse. This unprecedented move, announced by Salim Raj, the newly appointed chairman of the board, aims to ensure that mosque sermons remain strictly focused on Islamic teachings.
Raj, who assumed leadership of the Chhattisgarh Waqf Board just last month, communicated this directive through WhatsApp groups, emphasising that political speeches are unwelcome in mosques. He stated, “A religious place shouldn’t be turned into a political adda (place). It’s unfortunate that these spaces are being used to issue fatwas and dictate voting choices.” He insisted that sermons should convey the essence of Islam and the message of Allah, leaving politics to politicians.
The Waqf Board, responsible for managing and regulating waqf properties in India, took this step in response to reports of “anti-government” rhetoric emerging from certain mosques in the BJP-ruled state. Raj announced that letters detailing the new regulations would be sent to approximately 3,800 mosques across Chhattisgarh, with the directive set to take effect this coming Friday.
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The decision has sparked outrage among opposition parties, including the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) and the Congress. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi criticised the move as unconstitutional, questioning the board’s authority to dictate sermon content. He argued, “Do I have to take permission from them to follow my religion? The Waqf Board has no such legal power.”
Congress spokesperson Sushil Anand Shukla echoed these sentiments, calling the directive an attack on free speech and religious freedom. He asserted that while the waqf board can manage its properties, it cannot impose restrictions on what a Maulana or Mutawalli may say within mosque walls.
In contrast, BJP representatives defended the directive as a necessary measure to prevent mosques from being exploited for political purposes. Tauqir Raza, a BJP spokesperson for Chhattisgarh, referenced past incidents in Kashmir where he believes “political rhetoric led to violence and instability”. He assured that the government would monitor mosques closely to prevent any misuse.
“We have seen (it) in Kashmir, where they kept issuing fatwas and it led to Kashmiri Pandits facing violence and fleeing the place. Here too, if any controversial comments are made against the nation or state or anti-national elements try to participate in such things, the government will act on them. An eye is being kept on all mosques so they are not misused,” Raza was quoted as saying by Times of India.
