The chief of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind, Maulana Mahmood Madani, finds himself at the center of a nationwide controversy following his recent comments on ‘jihad’, the Indian national song ‘Vande Mataram’, and the Supreme Court. His pronouncements have elicited strong disapproval from political leaders and segments of the public, fueling anxieties about potential damage to national harmony. Reports suggest that Madani’s controversial statements were met with enthusiastic applause from the audience, raising further concerns about the potential for mobilizing followers. While the theological meaning of ‘jihad’ often relates to striving for righteousness, historical interpretations connect it to early military expeditions into India. The initial Islamic incursion into Sindh in 712 AD by Muhammad bin Qasim, for example, is historically framed within this context. Further historical accounts link figures such as Mahmud of Ghazni, Muhammad Ghori, and Alauddin Khilji to invasions and significant historical events described as ‘jihad’, including the destruction of temples and large-scale fatalities. Modern instances include Pakistan’s references to past conflicts with India as ‘jihad’ and the use of the term by terrorist organizations, notably Lashkar-e-Taiba’s claimed involvement in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. Madani’s remarks also reportedly included criticism of several Supreme Court decisions and a directive for Muslims to refrain from singing ‘Vande Mataram’.
