Maulana Mahmood Madani, the leader of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind, has ignited a significant national controversy with his recent pronouncements on ‘jihad’, India’s national song ‘Vande Mataram’, and remarks about the Supreme Court. These statements have been met with widespread condemnation from political figures and the public, raising alarm bells about potential repercussions for communal harmony across the nation. Reports indicate that Madani’s controversial statements were met with enthusiastic applause from those in attendance, fueling concerns about possible mobilization of followers. The concept of ‘jihad’ traditionally emphasizes personal struggle and self-improvement. However, historical narratives link early Islamic invasions of India, starting with Muhammad bin Qasim in 712 AD, to the framing of these campaigns as ‘jihad’. Figures like Mahmud of Ghazni, Muhammad Ghori, and Alauddin Khilji are historically associated with actions described as ‘jihad’ during their conquests and the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate. More recently, conflicts involving Pakistan and terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir have also been associated with the term ‘jihad’. The 26/11 Mumbai attacks, for instance, were reportedly claimed by Lashkar-e-Taiba as an act of ‘jihad’. Beyond the ‘jihad’ discussion, Madani also reportedly voiced dissatisfaction with several Supreme Court rulings and urged Muslims not to recite the national song, ‘Vande Mataram’.
