Several Muslim groups, worried over the increasing instances of khap diktats, have expressed concern and urged the community members not to oppose inter-caste and intra-caste marriages. Zakat Foundation of India (ZFI) issued an appeal, signed by some Muslim groups, urging Muslims to take the side of religion and not caste; because Islam does not restrict inter-caste and intra-caste marriages.
“The Holy Qur’ān has given clear guidelines about marriages with relatives. Any restriction beyond Qur’ānic teachings has been created by people themselves,” said ZFI president Zafar Mahmood. “Islam does not permit any caste or gotra system. Nikah is permitted between a believing man and a believing woman,” Zafar advocated.
“Muslim leaders are of the opinion that khap panchayats are un-Islamic. A true Muslim should always follow the Shariah and not such un-Islamic cultural practices,” opined Anwar Jamal of Jamiat Ulama.