New Delhi: Prominent Muslim bodies in India -- AIMPLB, Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, and Jamiat Islam-e-Hind, on Friday joined the condemnation of France's display of cartoons of Prophet Mohammad, and demanded the French government to put an end to its "anti-Islamic" actions.
Maulana Arshad Madani, president of the Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind, said, "All the religious and holy personalities of the world must be respected regardless of their religion. We have been taught by our Holy Prophet (PBUH) not to insult any religion or any religious figure. Muslims all over the world follow this advice."
"We are very sorry to say that the government of our country has supported the position of France which means that it is supporting its actions which hurt the religious sentiments of Muslims all over the world," he added.
Strongly criticising the Modi government, Arshad Madani said the government supporting France's actions revealed its views on 20 crore Muslims in India.
"We think it would be better to remain silent than to support France's position," he said.
Read: 'India must protest against French President over offending cartoons'
Echoing similar views, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) President Syed Sadatullah Hussaini said, "We demand that the French government put an end to its anti-Islamic actions. The actions of Charlie Hebdo are crude exploitation of freedom of expression. Islam does not oppose freedom of speech and opinion. However, it should not be denigrating but should be in the form of serious argument and debate," said Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) President Syed Sadatullah Hussaini.
"The approach adopted by the French president is extremely abusive and confrontational, which is unacceptable and condemnable in the eyes of all who value civility and courtesy. The French government should objectively evaluate the issue of the teacher, the act by the Chechen student, and its aftermath in the context of politics, sociology and psychology," he added.
Meanwhile, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board said, "Freedom of Expression is a right. However, one is not allowed to insult the sentiments of others in the name of freedom. Those who violate others' fundamental right to be respected must adopt civilised manners."
Indian Muslims for Progress and Reforms (IMPAR), an apex body of more than 10,000 Muslims of India appealed to French President Emmanuel Macron to ensure the safety and security of the Muslim minorities living all over France.
Renowned cleric and Chairman of Islamic Centre of India, Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali, also condemned French President Emmanuel Macron's statements.
He said that Islam teaches people not to hurt the religious sentiments of people from other religions, and similarly, the sentiments of Muslims must not be hurt by attacking the dignity of the Prophet.
Read: Charlie Hebdo cartoons: Pakistan protests against Macron
