: Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) Tamil Nadu president Khader Moideen, on Monday, said Muslims in India should go by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board’s (AIMPLB) interpretation of Islamic laws and that reinterpretation of the religion by individuals need not be accepted.
Reacting to controversies surrounding Mumbai-based Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, in whose defence the IUML in Kerala had issued a statement, Mr. Moideen said there were reports that the government was probing his activities. “If anything contradictory to law is found, the law should take its course,” he added.
Mr. Moideen said while Mr. Naik was regarded an important scholar, majority of Muslims do not accept reinterpretation of the religion and its holy text by individuals.
“In Islam, the Quran is constant. By reinterpreting the holy text according to their understanding, such people could actually end up going against tradition,” he opined. Whenever there were any major questions on Islamic law, the AIMPLB meets and gives its opinion. “Muslims in India should follow the guidance of the Board and not that of individuals,” he said.
Declining to comment on Mr. Naik’s teaching and reports that the Dhaka attack terrorists were inspired by the preacher, Mr. Moideen said he had not followed Mr. Naik’s sermons.
“I have learnt from media reports that they have banned his TV channel in Bangladesh. But, I cannot make a judgment since I have not followed his work,” he said.
