BJP stirs ‘Ghazwa-e-Hind’ pot as Deoband seminary clears concept

NEW DELHI, Feb 24 (SABAH): The clarification by the Islamic seminary Darul Uloom Deoband regarding Ghazwa-e-Hind, a concept in Islamic eschatology, has sparked a controversy, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and right-wing media amplifying the narrative that the seminary is teaching ‘jihad’ to children.

The controversy erupted after a netizen sought information online regarding Ghazwa-e-Hind, a term referring to a prophecy about a battle in the Indian subcontinent. The netizen had asked if there was a mention of Ghazwa-e-Hind in Hadith. In response, Darul Uloom Deoband referenced a hadith from ‘Sunan an-Nasai,’ one of the six major collections of hadith in Sunni Islam, which mentions Ghazwa-e-Hind.

The seminary cited a hadith narrated by Hazrat Abu Huraira, a companion of Prophet Mohammad (SAWW), wherein he expressed his willingness to participate in Ghazwa-e-Hind, stating, “I will fight for it and will sacrifice all my wealth for it. If I die, I will be a great sacrifice. If I remain alive, I will be called ‘Ghazi’ (a great warrior).”

However, the explanation of the concept has received hostile response from the right wing. Critics allege that the issue has been sensationalised to suggest that Darul Uloom Deoband issued a fatwa inciting jihad.

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) chairman, Priyank Kanungo, expressed alarm over the interpretation, alleging that children were being indoctrinated to participate in Ghazwa-e-Hind. Fatwa issued by Madrasa Darul Uloom Deoband giving validity to Ghazwa-e-Hind.

“Bharat to be made Islamic’ now will be taught to kids studying in madrasa. Kanungo’s remarks prompted calls for legal action against the seminary. The Commission has declared this as violation of Section 75 of the Juvenile Justice Act.