Muslim leaders express solidarity with Sikhs over gurdwara attack in Kabul

At the gurdwara that was attacked on March 25, afghan security personnel inspect the damage.

Upset with the dastardly attack on the Sikh place of worship in Kabul, Muslim clerics, bureaucrats, academics and editors have joined hands to condemn the incident and express solidarity with the besieged minority. The joint statement was signed by, among others, Zafarul Islam Khan, Chairman, Delhi Minorities Commission; Prof Tahir Mahmood, former Chairman, National Minorities Commission; Sadatullah Husaini, president, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind; and Maulana Mahmood Madani, general secretary, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind. It calls the attack on the gurdwara “murderous”, leading to the “martyrdom of 25 innocent and blameless Sikh brothers”.

Addressed to Sikh brothers and sisters, “specially Giani Dr Harpreet Singh, Jathedar Akal Takht, Amritsar”, the letter offers condolences to the bereaved. “We unconditionally condemn this criminal act. On behalf of the Muslims of India, we offer our condolences to our Sikh brothers and sisters and to the Sikh leadership and people everywhere. And since the criminal killers call themselves Muslims, we wish to inform our Sikh brothers and sisters that these criminals have nothing to do with Islam or Muslims. The criminals of the ISIS (Daesh), who criminally attacked the Sikh gurdwara in Kabul, have nothing to do with Islam or Muslims. They, in fact, follow the ideas of the Khawarij rebels who were never accepted by Muslims and who are considered by Muslims as rebels and outlaws working against Islam. They, in terms of their character, plans, words and deeds, serve the enemies of Islam and humanity and commit everything which is against Islamic teachings and Muslims.”

The signatories, who had earlier, condemned the act in their personal capacity, assured the Sikhs of solidarity. “If conditions were conducive we would ourselves have come to Amritsar to convey our sentiments but since the whole country is going through a lockdown at present, we are conveying our sentiments to you in writing. We remain your brothers and well-wishers.”

A gurdwara in Kabul was attacked by three terrorists last week. It resulted in the death of 25 worshippers. The attack lasted several hours as the terrorists initially held several people hostage. The incident drew widespread condemnation. It, however, failed to affect the Sikh community’s support towards the Shaheen Bagh women fighting against the CAA-NPR-NRC.

The letter was also signed by Mufti Mukarram, Shahi imam, Fatehpuri Masjid, Delhi; and Kamal Faruqui, member, All India Muslim Personal Board.