UP: Shia Muslims form 'Gau Raksha Dal' to enlighten people

A group of Shia Muslims on Friday formed a 'Shia Gau Raksha Dal' in Uttar Pradesh stating they would work towards educating the people on this issue.

Earlier on Wednesday, the All India Shia Personal Law Board (AISPLB) issued a fatwa against cow slaughtering and consumption of beef.

During its executive committee meeting in Lucknow, AISPLB member Maulana Yasoob Abbas said that the fatwa has been issued after consultation with top Shia cleric from Iraq, Ayatollah Sheikh Basheer Najafi.

"We wrote to Ayatollah Sheikh Basheer Najafi, who is in Iraq and raised concern over the issue and in response to that he said not to slaughter cows or eat beef. He has granted fatwa against it," Abbas told the reporters here.

He added that the reason behind the fatwa is that the cow slaughter often triggered communal tension in the country.

The AISPLB also joined the force demanding strict law on the practice of Triple Talaq and requested the Centre to come up with restriction to refrain people from its misuse.

"In Islam equal rights has been given to both men and women. So, giving talaq through Watsaap and phone is not acceptable. We have decide to get a severe law against this like it has been done in Sati-pratha," said Abbas.

The board even raised concern over the Babri Masjid issue and welcomed the Supreme Court proposal to mediate between both the communities to solve the issue.

"All India Shia Personal Law Board wants this matter to be resolved through table talk as suggested by the Supreme Court. This matter cannot be solved just by raising slogans," he said.

Earlier, the Dewan of Ajmer Dargah and an influential Sunni Islamic spiritual leader said that the practice of triple talaq is un-Islamic and against the Holy Quran.

The Supreme Court is set to hear multiple pleas challenging the validity of triple talaq, 'nikah halala' and polygamy practices among Muslims community on May 11 by a Constitution bench during the summer vacation.