Jamaat counters criticism from secular forces
Mr Hameed has said Maududi was one of the key inspirations of the IS
By : DC Correspondent
Update: 2015-10-02 06:24 GMT
KOCHI: The Jamaat-e-Islami, known as the fountainhead of Islamic fundamentalist ideology, has sent letters to prominent persons across the state to counter the criticism from secular forces that it was responsible for the emergence of entities such as the IS and other Islamist extremist outfits.
The one-page letter written by Mr Shykah Muhammad Karakunnu, assistant ameer of the outfit in Kerala, refuted the argument that the IS had been drawing inspiration from the writings of persons such a Maulana Maududi, the founder of Jamaat-e-Islami.
“Jamaat believes in the tradition of healthy debates with all sections of society,” Mr. Karakunnu said explaining the reason for writing the letter.
Refuting the charges levelled by Mr Hameed Chennamangaloor, known for his strident criticism against Islamist groups, Mr. Karakunnu said Mr Hameed was trying to mislead the people.
Mr Hameed has said Maududi was one of the key inspirations of the IS. In response to this, Mr. Karakunnu said the IS had been misusing Koran and the teachings of the Prophet, but that does not mean that the roots of IS can be traced to Koran.
“Just because Hindutva forces are using the names of Sree Rama and Sree Krishna, it will not be right to say that they are responsible for the emergence of communal fascist forces,” he said.
The argument raised by Mr. Hameed against Jamaat and Maududi is in similar vein, he added.
Iterating his faith in the Indian brand of secularism giving equal respect to all religions Mr. Karakunnu said letters were addressed to people as part of the ongoing debates about the rise of the IS and the campaign against it in the state.