'Why isn't the good in Islam reported?'

Ashutosh Shukla up with a senior cleric Maulana Hakim Mehmood Dariyabadi, general secretary of All India Ulema CouIn the midst of the Deoband controversy, the interpretation of the way of life in Islam and the righteous understanding of Islam has come under introspection and questioning. In the midst of taking stands, backing and criticising fatwas, DNA caught ncil, who recently held a press conference in defence of the Deoband fatwa and had even chided the media for irresponsible reporting.

In light of what has been reported, the way of life in Islam has taken a beating. Do you think there is a need for all sect leaders to come together to improve the portrayal of Islam?
Some people are working towards it. There are always forces trying to defame Islam and there is a guided effort towards it. Unfortunate, the media, too, supports such people. Positive things that people are doing in the community are not appreciated. We would want the media to be more supportive and co-operative.
What are these positive things that go unreported?Positive things like a movement within the community to get its members to not spend exorbitant amounts on marriages and celebrations considering many among us are poor. We are convincing members to pool in funds so that the poor too can


get married. Education among members has risen considerably after Babri Masjid. The media should commend the community on this. They are moving ahead even in the technical field, but all this goes unreported.
Your definition of purdah differs from that of people within the community who consider it patriarchal and draconian. Please comment...
ticularly What the Quran has said is what we read. There are certain ways in which women and men have to live. All women should use purdah, parMuslim women. In India, the culture of purdah exists in villages. So, it is not that we are saying something unusual. It is India's culture.
What do you have to say about criticism of the Deoband fatwa on observing the Prophet’s birthday and that eating crab and prawns is wrong?
Many Muslims eat crab and prawns. I do not know where the media got that from. With respect to the Prophet’s birthday, it is wrong to bring up such an issue around this time. They should have stayed united in such times. People should instead listen to what the Prophet said instead of just taking out a Julus in his name. Why remember him on one day? Why not 365 days?
With varied interpretations, what are other communities to understand and make out of Islam?
What is written in the Quran should be considered correct. The translation can now be read by all as it is easily available on the Web.Right now it is akin to salesmen selling curd saying their curd is sweeter than others. Only the buyer can decide which curd is the best. The best way to judge the true interpretation of Islam and the Quran is to sell it to the buyer. The one who has to buy it will decide which interpretation is correct and the best one.
Is there a conflict in the system of other communities to Islam?
I do not think there is any conflict. Even if there are different ways, Islam is very clear that no one should be harmed— even if they are non-Muslims. Neighbours are particularly given favour and priority in Islam. There are some who are not on the right path (terrorists) and what they do is wrong.