Faizabad :

Leading Islamic seminary Darul Uloom, Deoband has asked Muslims to put up the national flag on their houses and other establishments on Independence Day and has also appealed to the members of Muslim community to celebrate the national day with spirit of patriotism.

Talking to TOI, the seminary spokesman Ashraf Usmani said, ulemas (religious leaders) of Darul Uloom played prominent role in the freedom struggle.

“Call for complete independence which later turned into the ‘Poorna Swaraaj’ movement, was first given by Hussain Ahmad Madani and Maulvi Ahmadulla Shah of Deoband and were among a long series of freedom fighters who laid their lives down for independence of the motherland,” said Usmani, adding, “Darul Uloom has asked Muslims across the country to unfurl the national flag on their houses and other establishment on Independence Day ”

Reacting to the appeal, seminary leader Maulana Arshad Qasmi said, “We have advised all madrassas across the country specially to host the tricolour and enlighten students about India’s freedom struggle and the country’s original spirit of unity in diversity.”

“Muslim community has always been on the target of communal forces,” said Hafiz Akhlaaq Ahmad Latifi, who runs a madrassa in Ayodhya, adding, “They always question our patriotism. In madrassas we always teach love for motherland and patriotism. In the past too, we have celebrated Independence and Republic Days, and will continue to do so.”

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> India / by Arshad Afzal Khan, TNN / August 14th, 2015