'Muslims would accept death but ...': Jamiat chief amid Vande Mataram debate

Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind President Maulana Arshad Madani

Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind chief Maulana Arshad Madani on Tuesday addressed the ongoing debate about Vande Mataram, saying that Muslims have no objection to anyone singing the national song but its contents contradict the beliefs of Islamic monotheism.

In a post on X, Madani highlighted that in the four verses in the song, the homeland is likened to a deity and to Durga Mata.

"We have no objection to anyone reciting or singing “Vande Mataram”. However, a Muslim worships only one Allah and cannot associate anyone else with Him in worship. The contents of “Vande Mataram” are based on beliefs that contradict Islamic monotheism; in its four verses, the homeland is likened to a deity and to Durga Mata, and words associated with worship are used," he said.

The Jamiat chief added that the meaning of Vande Mataram is essentially 'Mother, I worship you', which goes against the religious beliefs of a Muslim.

"Therefore, no one can be forced to chant or sing any slogan or song that contradicts their faith. The Constitution of India grants every citizen freedom of religion (Article 25) and freedom of expression (Article 19)," he said.

He added that love for one’s country is one thing but worshipping it is another.

We have no objection to anyone reciting or singing “Vande Mataram”. However, a Muslim worships only one Allah and cannot associate anyone else with Him in worship.

The contents of “Vande Mataram” are based on beliefs that contradict Islamic monotheism; in its four verses, the… — Arshad Madani (@ArshadMadani007) December 9, 2025

"Muslims do not need anyone’s certificate to prove their patriotism—their sacrifices in the freedom struggle are a shining chapter of history. We believe in one God; besides Allah, we accept no one as worthy of worship and bow before none. We would accept death, but never accept polytheism," he said.

The remarks come amid the ongoing parliamentary debate on Vande Mataram to mark its 150th anniversary.

On Monday, PM Modi tore into the Congress, alleging that Nehru betrayed "Vande Mataram" by bowing to Muhammad Ali Jinnah's opposition to the national song that led to it being fragmented and pandering to his communal concerns, putting India on the path of appeasement politics.

The day-long debate on the 150th anniversary of "Vande Mataram" saw the treasury and opposition members locked in a verbal duel on a host of issues, including nationalism.

(With inputs from PTI)