Facing the heat for being the inspiration for groups such as the Taliban and fundamentalist organisations such as the Jaish-e-Mohammad, HuJI & SIMI; renowned Islamic seminary Darul Uloom Deoband has labelled violence and terrorism as 'anti-Islam and anti-national'. Not only has the seminary passed strictures against terrorism as anti-Islamic, it has also defined terrorism as any action that hurts innocent individuals- a resolution that was adopted by leading Islamic groups at an anti-terrorism conference in the country.
TOI Online readers welcomed the declaration on terrorism. Jayraj Paleja in Berlin and MK Mohammed from Qatar felt the Deoband's anti-terror call was in response to the democratic values and growing modernisation of majority of Muslims in Indian society.
Ashish Behera in Kharagpur said, "This is a great initiative by the highest school of Islam in India and all people must uphold it."
Justin Samuel from Mumbai agreed. "The view expressed by the Muslim clerics is hugely appreciated!"
It was clearly a strong message by the clergy that had so far fought shy of engaging on the issue. "This is the first time that our leaders and clerics have realised that they should be more open to the public and the media. Though this effort came a little late, I appreciate the noble initiative," wrote Abdullah from Dubai.
Satyajeet in Bangalore had similar views, "The declaration is late but still a welcome step. Hope the religion of peace may eventually propagate peace."
SS Moorthy from Carmel, USA, said the Darul Uloom had done great service by denouncing terrorism, but it was now time to practice what one preached. "The present generation still remembers the creation of Pakistan and problems in Kashmir because of religion. This statement by the Deoband may help reduce fears, but it's time to put it in practice." Kushal Patel and Shekar in Madurai agreed - declaration was easy, it was the implementation that now mattered.
"This is a good development and a positive interpretation of Islam that everyone was waiting for. The message is clear - stop using religion as an excuse to further personal causes," commented Bijay Singh from Hyderabad. He was, however, unsure if the Deoband's message would dissuade young Muslims from joining terrorist groups under the pretext of protecting Islam. "Other fundamentalist Muslim sects will keep influencing young Muslims by telling them about suffering of Muslims in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kashmir."
A fact also acknowledged by Islamic scholars and clerics at the meet. They debated the justification of violence by jihadi groups on the grounds of 'divine sanction', but stopped short of saying if they were finally ready to treat jihadi propaganda as deviation from Islam's principle of peace. Reference to the Quran , which said prohibition against violence may not apply when the community was being harmed was also made - exceptions that had been exploited to the hilt by terrorist groups.
"The dividing line between 'rising against injustice' and 'terrorism' is very thin. The same people who deplore terrorism by Islamic organisations openly endorse violent ways used by a number of 'freedom fighters'," wrote Vivek Agarwal from the US. "A message from an esteemed organisation could thus influence how the Muslim world looks at terrorism." "Jihad can be made to suit any situation including the Pakistan sponsored proxy war in Kashmir. Is terrorism in Kashmir and its extension elsewhere in India a jihad to liberate Muslims from oppression by 'kafirs'? The Deoband was resoundingly silent on this critical issue," noted Shankar (Kolkata).