Team herald
VASCO: The Muslim community from Mormugao taluka and the committees of 18 masjids, throwing their weight behind the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, opposed the Central government’s effort at exploring the possibility of framing a uniform civil code, on Friday.
The decision to oppose the government move was taken at a meeting convened by the Tafheem E Shariat Istiqbaliya Committee, at MPT Institute, Vasco. The meeting was attended by over 800 people a large number of women.
According to the Abdul Rehman Khan, who co-convened the meeting, said the meeting was called to make the people of Mormugao taluka aware of and understand the Muslim law, including ‘triple talaq’.
“Since the time BJP has raised the issue of framing uniform civil code, the Muslim community is confused. Therefore, we have decided to create awareness among Muslims, the benefits of Muslim personal law and how this law has been benefitting the society at large and Muslim in particular. Every right of the women is covered under Sharia law; whereas, in the personal laws of other religions, many rights of women have been compromised,” he said.
Claiming that the civil and criminal laws differ from State to State, he wondered why the Muslim law alone was being discussed.
“It is sad that the Muslim personal law is projected in misleading and negative way. Thus, we all have decided to oppose any move to frame uniform civil code. We are chalked out several programmes in other parts of Goa to create similar awareness,” he said and informed that they would conduct a signature campaign against the uniform civil code.
Muslim leader Nazir Khan, the president of Sultan Shah Masjid at Desterro in Baina, said, “The Modi government is trying to divert attention from its failures by raking up this issue. It is being perceived as though only Muslim men can declare divorce. Even Muslim women can give divorce. Nothing stops Muslim women from seeking redressal through ‘Dowry Prohibition Act’ and ‘Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act. By taking such issue, BJP has actually hurt the sentiments of Muslim community and this would negatively impact the BJP in 2017 assembly elections.”
