Waseem Rizvi’s move sparks widespread resentment in Kashmir

SRINAGAR — Jammu and Kashmir’s religious scholar have come down heavily on Waseem Rizvi for approaching Supreme Court to remove 26 verses of holy Quran, stating that Rizvi’s assertions are totally blasphemous, unacceptable and that he should be arrested immediately.

Kashmir’s Grand Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam said that Quran teaches brotherhood and rejects all forms of violence.

“Waseem Rizvi hasn’t understood the Quran and is instead speaking against it. Our beloved Prophet (SAW) after conquering Makah, stated La Yasrib Al-Qumul Youm….. (meaning ‘Forget whatever wrong you did so far, I forgive everyone’). This is mentioned in the Quran and is clear example that Quran teaches forgiveness not violence,” Mufti Nasir said, adding that the Iranian government must act quickly against Rizvi and arrest him for his blasphemous remarks and hurting the religious sentiments of billions of people across the globe.

The Grand Mufti urged people to maintain discipline, remain calm and register protest peacefully.

Karwan-e-Islami International patron Alama Sheikh Ghulam Rasool Hami said that in the past, many people tried to change verses of holy Quran but failed.

“Allah Himself is the protector of this holy book, which doesn’t teach violence but love and forgiveness. Quran is a complete way of living and will remain till Qayamah (Doom’s Day). Muslims across the globe shouldn’t give much importance to Rizvi, who is a non-entity,” Alama Hami said. He said no power on earth can change even one word of the holy Quran let alone Rizvi.

Pertinently, Rizvi has moved to Supreme Court seeking deletion of 26 verses from the holy Quran on the pretext that “these verses teach hatred, violence and terrorism.”

Patron of Darul Uloom Rahimiya Bandipora, Moulana Rehmatullah Qasimi said: “There is no scope of any discussion on the issue as things are quite clear. When He himself has stated in Quran that He will protect the holy book, what else is needed. None can change anything (in Quran) as Allah Himself is its protector.”

Meanwhile, Rehmatal Lil Aalameen (SAW) Foundation staged a protest in Press Colony Srinagar. “Rizvi has once again hurt the sentiments of Muslims. He is not a Muslim and our demand is that he should be hanged, sooner the better,” said Sheikh Firdous, who was leading the protest march.

Kashmir’s religious scholars have, however, appealed to maintain calm, control emotions, and not to resort to any sort of violence.

Widespread condemnations continue to pour in from different religious organizations of Kashmir.

Protests held across Kashmir

Protests against blasphemy remarks by the former Shia Wakf Board Chairman, Waseem Rizvi were held on Saturday, with people demanding exemplary punishment to Rizvi, for hurting religious sentiments of billions of Muslims across the globe.

A religious body, Rehmatan-Lil-Alameen Foundation, staged a protest against the Shia leader’s controversial remarks against the holy book of Muslims.

Members of religious bodies, holding placards reading “Hang evil Rizvi, dismiss petition”, assembled at Press Enclave to lodge their protest against Rizvi’s move to challenge the authenticity of the holy book of Muslims. They were also chanting slogans against the former UP Shia Wakf Board Chairman.

“We have assembled here to register our protest against accursed (Maloon) Rizvi, who wounded the religious sentiments of billions of Muslims across the world. We want the government to act tough against such radical elements, who always stoke controversy through their blasphemy acts,” they said.

They appealed to the Supreme Court of India to dismiss the plea seeking amendments in the holy Quran whose authenticity, they said, has never been challenged since the past 1400 years.

The protesters said Rizvi’s aim to file PIL in the top court was to incite communal disharmony among several sects of Muslims.

They also claimed that such moves have potential to create discord among the communities; however, they appealed Muslims to exhibit patience to make people like Rizvi fail in their nefarious designs.

“We appeal every sect of Muslims to be united and do not sway into emotions, we also appeal the government to arrest Rizvi and punish him for attempting to create communal discord,” they added.

BJP files complaint against Waseem Rizvi

The Kashmir unit of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has filed a complaint against Waseem Rizvi for hurting the sentiments of Muslim community by speaking against the holy Quran.

BJP’s IT Cell In-charge for Kashmir province, Manzoor Bhat said that they have filed a complaint at Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Srinagar’s officer against Waseem Rizvi for his anti-Quran remarks.

He said the party will ensure strict action against those who are involved in hurting the religious sentiments of any community and nobody will be allowed to speak against any community or their holy book. The party has sought FIR against Rizvi.

“We have filed a complaint and want the accused to be dealt with strictly so that no one will be allowed to interfere or make the remarks that would hurt the sentiments of any particular community,” Bhat said while appealing the people to maintain communal harmony as displayed from time to time.

Pertinently, the party also staged a protest at its office in Srinagar here and chanted slogans against Waseem Rizvi. During the protest, the party leaders and workers demanded strict action against him.