Hyderabad, August 19: Maulana Mushtaq Malik, president of the ‘Tehreek Muslim Shabban’, has raised concerns over the proposed law regarding forced religious conversions in Maharashtra. He questioned the provisions of the law, expressing fears of potential misuse. Malik emphasized that conversion is a matter of personal belief and should not involve any coercive intervention.
He also opposed linking interfaith marriages or conversions to the term ‘love jihad’. Malik pointed out that similar laws have emerged in various forms in BJP-ruled states. He objected to provisions related to the religious identity of children and inheritance rights after conversion. He stated that if forced conversion is proven and results in offspring, the custody of the child remaining with the mother is not objectionable. However, making such children heirs to both parties’ properties could conflict with Sharia inheritance laws.
Malik reiterated that conversion is tied to an individual’s thoughts and beliefs, and no one should be forced to accept a particular faith. He mentioned that Islam does not permit coercion in matters of faith. He warned that any ambiguity in the law could lead to its misuse for pressuring individuals. Decisions related to one’s religion and personal choices should not be criminalized based solely on suspicion or social pressure.
Referring to a case from the Allahabad High Court, he noted that the court had upheld the rights of two adult sisters regarding their conversion and marriage, emphasizing their adulthood and decision-making rights. Malik clarified that love and jihad are distinct concepts, and labeling interfaith marriages as ‘love jihad’ based solely on religion is inappropriate. He argued that if two adults marry of their own free will, regardless of differing religions, it should be viewed in the context of their constitutional rights rather than politicized. He concluded that politicizing sensitive issues like conversions and interfaith marriages is not beneficial for society.
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