Guwahati: Islamic scholar Mustafa Kamal Azhari from Lakhimpur, Assam, has stirred controversy after making claims that challenge widely accepted Islamic beliefs. Azhari, who claims to have graduated from Egypt’s prestigious Al-Azhar University, stated that the Holy Quran does not prohibit Muslims from engaging in deity worship (he refers to Durga puja), a practice traditionally believed to be forbidden in Islam.
Controversial Statements on Quran and Deities
Azhari’s statements, which include claims that the Quran contains references to deities and statues, have ignited debates among religious scholars and Islamic followers. He further argued that words like *Namaz* (prayer) and *Roza* (fasting) is absent from the original Arabic text of the Quran. This statement has led to widespread criticism within the Islamic community in Assam. He said if you oppose Durga puja only because it is not written in the Quran, then Namaz and Roza are also not written in the holy book.
Reinterpretation of ‘Kafir’
Azhari also challenged the conventional interpretation of the term *Kafir*. While it is commonly understood to refer to non-Muslims, especially Hindus and Christians, he stated that the Quran does not use *Kafir* in that context. Instead, he believes it refers to individuals who act against their own people and God’s orders, regardless of their religion. According to Azhari, the term could apply to many within the Muslim community itself, who fail to live by divine principles.
Criticism of Religious Supremacy
The scholar went further by criticising the radical mindset within certain segments of the Muslim population, which he claims fuels religious division with Sanatani Hindus in India. “The belief that only our religion is superior, and that Allah is the only supreme power, is what creates division between communities,” Azhari said. He also emphasised that the Quran was written in an Arabic context, and thus, Indian Muslims should not have an issue with referring to Allah as ‘Bhagwan’—the common term for God in Hinduism.
Two Versions of Islam in India?
According to Azhari, there are two versions of Islam practised in India: one that is divinely inspired by Allah, and another that has been shaped by the interpretations of Islamic clerics, or *Mullahs*. He also expressed concern over the rising Muslim population in Assam, stating that within two decades, the state could become Muslim-majority due to the high birth rate. He criticised the belief held by some Muslims that Allah will provide for their large families, labelling it a false narrative propagated by religious leaders and Mullah.
Mustafa Kamal Azhari claims to have received his education from Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt, one of the oldest and most respected centres for Islamic learning in the world. Al-Azhar is renowned for its scholarly contributions to Islamic studies and its association with the Al-Azhar Mosque in Islamic Cairo.
Community Reaction and Backlash
Azhari’s statements have sparked significant backlash, with many religious leaders and Islamic scholars, especially the radical Mullah, condemning his views as contradictory to fundamental Islamic teachings. Some have accused him of attempting to dilute the core principles of Islam, while others have demanded a formal clarification of his statements.
In the face of criticism, Azhari maintains that his views are based on his deep understanding of the Quran and Islamic theology, and he has urged the Muslim community to adopt a more inclusive and thoughtful approach to religious interpretation.
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