‘Jihad is a term that should be taught’: Congress MP backs Jamiat Prez Mahmood Madani’s remark

New Delhi: Congress MP Imran Masood on Wednesday responded to Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind chief Maulana Mahmood Madani’s remark on “jihad,” stating that the term should indeed be taught and understood in its proper context.

Responding to Madani’s earlier comment that “jihad should be taught,” Masood said in Delhi, “Yes, jihad is a term that should be taught. Look, jihad is for the country, for the nation. It is meant for times when the country faces a crisis…”

Masood also reacted sharply to Madani’s criticism of the Congress, who had questioned whether the party could raise Muslim issues when it “cannot even raise its own issues.” Countering this, the Congress MP said, “Who is raising them? We are the ones raising them. We have fought the most on the Waqf issue. Who is fighting for Waqf? We are the ones fighting..”

Earlier, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind president Maulana Mahmood Madani issued a clarification, stating that his remarks had been misunderstood when taken out of context.

Madani’s original comment during the National Governing Body meeting in Bhopal sought to address the misuse of the term “jihad.” He had said, “Enemies of Islam and Muslims have made 'jihad' a synonym of abuse, conflict and violence. Terms like Love jihad, Land jihad, 'Taleem' Jihad, 'Thook' Jihad are used to insult the faith of Muslims. Unfortunately, responsible people in government and media feel no shame in using such terms."

Speaking to ANI on Tuesday, he acknowledged that his words created confusion but insisted the message was rooted in the historical meaning of the term.

“It is correct that some confusion has been created, but if you see it in context, then you won't misunderstand it. To make sure that no misunderstanding happens was my responsibility, and I could not fulfil that responsibility; you can blame me for that,” Madani said.

He further explained that his broader point had been overlooked.

“But if you hear my full statement, then three statements have been said. One is that in India, Jihad has multiple meanings...The biggest jihad is to have a clear vision of your aim and work on yourself. If there is injustice, raise your voice against it; this is also jihad,” he added.