Dispelling misunderstandings about Islam a criminal offense? TS govt. acting like BJP ruled states
Hyderabad: In a climate of increasing religious animosity, the act of inviting to mosques with the intention of dispelling misunderstandings about religion of Islam is now deemed a criminal offense.
As per the recently obtained information, the Humayun Nagar Police have filed a First Information Report (FIR) based on an anonymous tip-off regarding the “Eid Milap and Visit My Mosque” event organized by the SIO Hyderabad on April 30 at Azizia Masjid.
The FIR reveals that Sub-Inspector Police N Raju initiated the case, identified as Crime No. 148 of 2023, on May 2. According to the complaint, an unknown individual informed the Sub-Inspector that on April 30, at 11 o’clock, three Muslim individuals were present in front of the mosque. They were actively encouraging non-Muslims passing by to visit the mosque, gain knowledge about Islam, and potentially convert to the Muslim faith. Additionally, they were purportedly highlighting financial benefits associated with embracing Islam.
The FIR notes that by the time the police reached the location, the youths had already departed. A police official emphasized that such actions could incite religious tensions and communal violence. The Hyderabad police have also initiated measures similar to those implemented in states governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), while public discourse on this matter remains relatively silent.
This situation raises the question of whether it is illegal to invite non-Muslims to observe a mosque and address any misunderstandings they may have by providing them with information about Islam.
