Following his attendance at the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Chief Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi of the All India Imam Organization has found himself at the receiving end of a fatwa, a religious decree, issued against him. According to statements provided to the ANI news agency, the fatwa was pronounced against him on Sunday, coinciding with the aftermath of the Ram Mandir event, which saw him receiving menacing phone calls.
In response to this fatwa, Imam Ilyasi articulated, "Those who hold affection for me, inherently harbor love for the nation and will extend their support to me. Conversely, those who exhibit animosity towards me for my participation in the ceremony might find solace in relocating to Pakistan."
Furthermore, he alleged the existence of a concerted plot against him, attributing it to a faction aiming to foment an "atmosphere of enmity" directed at him.
Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi divulged that the fatwa, branding him a 'Kaafir' (disbeliever), encompasses threats to his life. Reportedly orchestrated by Mufti Sabir Hussaini, the fatwa emanated from an establishment known as the 'Mufti classes'.
Describing his decision to attend the ceremony as "the most consequential of my life," Imam Ilyasi disclosed to ANI that he deliberated over the invitation from the Temple Trust for two days before electing to partake in the event in Ayodhya. He stressed that his motive was rooted in fostering harmony and contributing to the nation's welfare.
Despite facing death threats directed at him and his family, Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi asserted that India does not adhere to principles akin to those in Islamic nations and emphasized the tenacity of his message advocating love and fraternity. He adamantly refused to tender an apology or resign from his post, maintaining that his participation in the ceremony was devoid of any wrongdoing and aimed solely at espousing affection.
This unprecedented issuance of a fatwa against a Chief Imam prompted Imam Ilyasi to lodge a complaint with the Commissioner of Delhi Police, the Home Secretary, and the Home Minister to address the threats leveled against him.
The Ram Mandir's Pran Pratishtha ceremony, held on January 22 under the auspices of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marked a significant milestone, with devotees flocking to the newly consecrated temple in Ayodhya, totaling nearly 19 lakh visitors since its inauguration.
