Ayodhya Verdict: Muslim Leaders Appeal for Peace and Harmony

Some Muslim leaders expressed surprise at the ruling that cleared the way for a Ram Temple at the site.

After the Supreme Court’s verdict on Ayodhya dispute, Muslim leaders called for peace and harmony.

(Photo altered by The Quint)

The Supreme Court’s verdict in the much anticipated Ayodhya Ram Janmbhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute case has evoked varied reactions from leaders of the Muslim community from all across the country.

While most of them rallied for peace and harmony, some even expressed surprise over the ruling that cleared the way for a Ram temple at the site.

In the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute case, the apex court also directed the Centre to allot a five-acre plot to the Sunni Waqf Board for building a mosque.

‘What Sort of Justice is This?’

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) said that it was was contemplating seeking a review of the verdict,

Reacting to the top court’s verdict, All India Muslim Personal Law Board member Kamal Faruqui said that even 100 acres of land is of no use.

“Even if we get 100 acres of land, it’s of no use. They are giving us 5-acre land after taking our 67-acre land. What sort of justice if this?”

Kamal Faruqui, AIMPLB member

Addressing a press conference, AIMPLB Secretary Zafaryab Jilani said, "We are dissatisfied with certain findings of the Supreme Court.... We respect the Supreme Court verdict and respectfully disagree with certain aspects of it." Jilani said they will study the judgement and may seek a review, according to PTI.

The AIMPLB, in a tweet too, said that the judgment is against its expectations and raised the possibility of a review.

Expressing surprise over the ruling, Navaid Hamid, president of All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat said that, "it is a matter of concern that evidences have not been proved."

Mufti Abul Qasim Nomani, the current Mohtamim (Vice-Chancellor) of the Islamic seminary Darul Uloom Deoband, also expressed surprise over the ruling.

“I was surprised to see the ruling and it’s beyond my understanding. I feel there were enough evidences in favour of the mosque but these were not taken into consideration.”

Mufti Abul Qasim Nomani, Vice-Chancellor of Darul Uloom Deoband

Call for Peace and Harmony

Chairman Zafar Ahmad Farooqui of the Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Board, one of the main litigants in the Ram Janmbhoomi-Babri Masjid case, welcomed the Supreme Court verdict and said it has no plans to challenge it.

“As of now, the verdict is being studied thoroughly, after which the Board will issue a detailed statement. If any lawyer or any other person says that the decision will be challenged by the Board, it should not be taken as correct.”

Zafar Ahmad Farooqui, Chairman, Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Board

The Shahi Imam of the Jama Masjid in Delhi, Syed Ahmed Bukhari, said the matter should not be stretched further.

All India Shia Personal Law Board (AISPLB) spokesman Maulana Mirza Yasoob Abbas said he welcomes the court's ruling.

Prominent Muslim scholar Maulana Abdul Hameed Noami also appealed for peace and calm, while Navaid Hamid, president of All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat, an umbrella body of several Muslim organisations, did the same, according to PTI.

Verdict Not According to Expectations But ‘Supreme’

Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind said the verdict was not according to its expectations but asserted that the apex court ruling is "supreme".

Jamiat President Maulana Arshad Madani also urged Muslims not to be disappointed.

He appealed to the Muslims to maintain peace and harmony in the country and asked them to not take the verdict as a “win or loss”.

In Jaipur, the spiritual head of the Ajmer dargah welcomed the verdict and said the judiciary is supreme and that everyone should respect the decision.

"This is the time to present a united face before the world because the entire world is looking at India today," Dargah Deewan Zainul Abedin Ali Khan said.

Iqbal Ansari, one of the litigants in the case, said he will not challenge the verdict in court.

“We welcome the Supreme Court decision and are happy that it is finally ‘curtains down’ on this long pending issue. We will not challenge the court verdict from our side. We are very happy with the decision.”

Iqbal Ansari

(With inputs from PTI.)