A high voltage discussion is raging in and around Shamli town in Western UP. The storm in the teacup is about conversion to Islam of a 30-year-old educated young man from a millionaire family. The electronic media is vying with each other to bring out all details to the viewers. Its negative fallout is the communal tension in an already polarised atmosphere of the state.
Ayush Malik has told in several TV interviews that he had thoroughly studied Islamic tenets, and out of his free will and right to free choice of religion embraced Islam without any pressure, inducement or criminal intimidation. He has publicly declared in interviews that he studied Islam and preferred its teachings and chose it as his religion and way of life without any coercion.
The doors of Islam are, and have been always, wide open for any person of any religion, sex or group or country. The Holy Qur’an declares in clear terms: “Allah invites (all people) to the way of belief in God, and complete submission to God and His Will.” Islam further clarifies that “there is no compulsion or coercion in religion.”
The Constitution of India also declares in its Preamble that it is based on liberty, equality and fraternity. That its basic motto is to promote justice – social, economic and political. It further stresses that “as regards religion, or belief or way of life, every Indian is entitled to freedom of religion. He has full right to accept or reject any religion. He can even change his religion if he so wills.
Therefore, it is unfortunate that communal and fascist elements are spreading poison by twisting facts. Police should act impartially and fairly. Ayush has married one Chandni, who is a gym trainer and health advisor. Ayush Malik and Chandni Qureshi have married with each other’s consent. Then why isthe Police acting in a prejudiced and partisan way?
Our media has a moral and constitutional duty to show things in correct perspective. Freedom of religion is a fundamental right guaranteed by the Constitution of India. Why have Chandni and her father Islam Qureshi been thrown behind bars and why are the police and the godi media targeting the duo? And why are the irresponsible persons and the prejudiced media persons engaged in spreading rumours and poisoning the atmosphere? It is evident that interested politicians are also at work to pursue their political interests. They are at their old game of fishing in the troubled waters.
Human rights, freedom of choice, and individual liberty must be respected and every effort must be made to safeguard the social harmony and inter-communal relations. Individuals must be assured of their freedom of choice and social harmony must be protected. Let us hope that finally good sense prevails and our judiciary does justice. Let justice be done and it is seen being done.