As the big religious gathering called Maha Kumbh approaches, a senior Muslim cleric has written to the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, sharing worries that many Muslims might be coaxed into converting to Hinduism during this event. Some Hindu leaders have also called for Muslims to be banned from attending this significant festival.
Last year, a group known as the Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad (ABAP) suggested that people should only buy goods for the Maha Kumbh from Hindu shopkeepers to support those who truly follow Hindu beliefs. The Maha Kumbh, which happens once every 12 years, is set to take place in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26.
The president of the All India Muslim Jamaat, Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi, has advised Muslims to avoid the Kumbh, worried about plans to convert many of them. He feels it is important for the state government to look into these concerns. While Barelvi previously called the idea of keeping Muslims out of the Kumbh unfair, he has changed his stance and now thinks it’s better for Muslims to stay away to prevent any problems.
Maulana Kaab Rashidi, a legal advisor for Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind in Uttar Pradesh, mentioned that it’s unusual to see Muslims being discussed before such a major Hindu event. He criticized the calls to restrict Muslims from attending, stating they violate India’s secular values. He emphasized that Muslims are an essential part of India, and they should not be excluded from the event.
Maulana Yasoob Abbas from the All India Shia Personal Law Board expressed that if a Muslim goes to learn during the Kumbh, it shouldn’t be a problem. He believes that a strong faith cannot be shaken by merely attending a fair or a place of worship.
In response to Barelvi’s concerns about conversions, Mohsin Raza, a former minister, implied that those making these claims may be worried about their own actions and that many Muslims, including himself, have attended the Kumbh without issues. He suggested that the calls to ban Muslims should not represent true Hindu values of harmony and brotherhood.
Lastly, Maulana Khalid Rashid Farangi Mahli, a senior member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, stated that the board won’t post any advice for Muslims about attending the Maha Kumbh.
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