There is a section of Muslims who have reservations about chanting Vande-Mataram. Recently Shahi Imam Syed Ahmed Bukhari of Delhi raised a fatwa against Anna Hazare’s movement, saying that it is against Islam to say ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ or ‘Vande Maatram’. Fact is that nobody is forcing muslims to say it. Even during Independence struggle, muslims did not have any problem with ‘Vande Maatram’. Only during these past few years, this has aquired religious overtones. Is that Un-islamic?
Bharat Mata ki Jay translates to “Victory for Mother India” as opposed to “Hail Mother India”. I dont think it sounds unislamic as it is not a slogan for worship of Mother India. Muslim brothers can opt for “Madre-Watan Zindabad” which sounds quite cool and does not have religious overtones.
A very brilliant gentleman Mr. A.M.Khan has done a very tasteful Urdu translation for ‘Vande Maataram’, which is very pleasing to the eyes and will also not offend any religious bigots among both Hindu and Muslims. Here is the Urdu version:
Tasleemat, maa tasleemat,
tu bhari hai meethe pani se;
phal phoolon ki shadabi se.
dakkin ki thandi hawaon se;
faslon ki suhani fizaaon se
tasleemat, maa tasleemat
teri raaten roshan chand se,
teri raunaq sabze faam se;
teri pyar bhari muskan hai,
teri meethi bahut zuban hai.
teri banhon mein meri rahat hai
tasleemat, maa tasleemat
tere qadmon mein meri jannat hai
-A.M.Khan
I just pray our country remains united in this hour of need and work for the progress of our beautiful Nation.
- Alex.
