BJP MLC Bukkal Nawab has been ostracized from Islam by Darul Uloom Deoband for worshipping Lord Hanuman at a temple in Lucknow. According to reports, Nawab, who had joined BJP from Samajwadi Party last year, had offered prayers and gifted a brass bell at a temple in Hazratganj area in the city.

The head of the Madarsa Darul Ulum, Asharfia Maulana Saalim Ashraf Qasmi has reportedly stated that Bukkal Nawab has been expelled from the Muslim community for indulging in anti-Muslim activities. He added that Islam does not allow idol worship and any devout Muslim paying obeisance to any other god than Allah ceases to remain a Muslim. He also stated that Bukkal Nawab should repent his un-Islamic act by seeking forgiveness from Allah.

According to reports, Bukkal Nawab offered prayers at the Hanuman temple after being nominated to the upper legislative house by BJP. Nawab reportedly had also supported Ram Mandir at Ayodhya in the past and had gifted a gold crown worth Rs 10 lakh to the temple. When asked about the fatwa issued against him by Deoband, he stated that he was not bothered.

As per reports, Bukkal Nawab stated that besides being a Muslim, he is a Hanuman Bhakt too and like Lord Hanuman, Lord Ram is our ancestor. He added that the constitution of India allows its citizens the right to practice any religion and that he is not worried about any fatwa as the fatwa is aimed at dividing members of the two communities.

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Earlier in March, a similar fatwa was issued against BJP Minister Mohsin Raza after he offered prayers at a Hanuman temple. The Aligarh based Darul Ulum Deoband is famous for its frequent fatwas. Earlier they had issued a fatwa against Muslim women taking the help of a shopkeeper while trying bangles. They also have a fatwa against DJ and music at wedding celebrations. They have also called Life Insurance ‘un-Islamic’ and banned it.

However, Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan has reportedly supported his former party colleague strongly. Azam Khan reportedly questioned who had ousted Bukkal Nawab from Islam and why. He also added that how many more will become the keepers of Islam and how many people they will ostracise. He also reportedly added that it is not for Deoband to decide who is Muslim and who is not.