Muslim leaders slam political leaders for raking up uniform civil code issue before elections; say unenforceable

Scholars and Muslim leaders have criticized leaders for raising the issue of Uniform Civil Code (UCC) before elections called it unenforceable.  They argued that in a diverse country like India with various religious minorities, each with their own way of life, a UCC is not practical.

Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali, a member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, stated that politicians have been using the UCC as a political tool before elections for several years.

These scholars and leaders believe that implementing a uniform civil code would not only impact Muslims but also Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Jains, Jews, and Parsis, as each sect has its own distinct religious practices and traditions, including worship and weddings. They emphasize that the Indian Constitution grants the freedom to follow one’s faith and live according to one’s own customs.

Maulana Yathob Abbas, the General Secretary of the All India Shia Muslim Personal Law Board, acknowledged that most laws are similar, but there are specific personal laws that should be preserved due to the differences among sects.

Maulana Arshad Madani, the president of Jamiat Ulema Hind, expressed opposition to the UCC, stating that Muslims in India have been living with their personal laws for 1400 years, and there is no need to implement a uniform civil code. He emphasized the importance of respecting the personal laws of all communities.

Shafiqur Rahman Barq, a member of Parliament from the Samajwadi Party, criticized the Law Commission’s attempt to seek public opinion on the UCC, arguing that it would only foster hatred in the country.

Shaista Anbar, the President of the All India Muslim Women Personal Law Board, expressed her reluctance to support any changes in personal laws but stated that she would consult with women before taking a stance. Overall, these scholars and leaders are against the implementation of a uniform civil code and advocated for the preservation of personal laws that respect the diverse religious and cultural practices of different communities in India.