KOZHIKODE: Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has missed a chance to discuss threadbare the issue of ‘lighting of lamp’ which has re-surfaced recently.
As the biggest political party representing Muslims, it could have taken a stand and clarify the position.
“We had not deliberated the issue at the state executive meeting. The tradition practiced by veteran leaders will be followed,” said IUML general secretary K.P.A Majeed.
Mr Majeed’s words meant that the party has conveniently jumped the simmering debate instead of addressing it and arriving at a conclusion.
To a query that whether the party would act against those who continue lighting the lamp at functions, he repeated that “we have not discussed the issue.”
The biggest fallout of the IUML’s reluctance in addressing the issue would be strengthening the notion that lighting the lamp has something to do with patriotism. Rightwing forces are sowing hatred in this grey area.
“Lighting the traditional lamp has nothing to do with patriotism. IUML did not face the issue as they want the votes of fundamental outfits such as Jamaat-e-islami,” noted Prof M.N. Karassery. Mr Karasseri pointed out that lighting of lamp had been prevalent in Cheraman Juma Masjid, Ponnani Juma Masjid, Arakkal palace and in many other ‘jarams’ (tombs of saints).
“There is even a ritual called vilakkiniruthal on the lines of ezhuthiniruthal,” he says. “Actually this is a non-issue. When a minister or MLA stays away from the lighting of lamp in a function, it will divide minds. That is the problem. The same will happen if a non-Muslim says he is not interested to take part in an iftar because of his religion”.
The argument that Salafism (Saudi Arabian version of Islam) is the reason why some is vehement against lighting of lamp does not hold ground.
Among those who did not light the lamp in IUML, P.K Kunjalikutty belongs to Sunni faction whereas P.K Abdu Rabb is a Salafi. But K.M Shaji MLA, who lights the lamp, is from the Salafi sect.
