Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind Chief Rejects RSS Leader’s Remarks on Muslims Worshipping Nature
Maulana Mahmood Asad Madani says suggestion goes against core Islamic belief of worshipping one God
Maulana Mahmood Asad Madani, President of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, has strongly criticised recent remarks made by RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale, who suggested that Muslims should worship natural elements such as the sun, rivers, and trees in the interest of environmental protection.
In a statement, Madani said the comments showed a serious misunderstanding of Islam. He explained that Islam is founded on the principle of Tawhid, which means belief in the oneness of God and worshipping Him alone. Any form of worship directed at anything other than God, he said, goes against the very foundation of the faith.
Hosabale made the remarks while addressing a Hindu conference in Gorakhpur. He argued that respecting nature is beyond religion and claimed that Muslims would “lose nothing” by worshipping rivers, trees, and the sun as a way to promote environmental conservation. He also questioned what harm it would cause if Muslims, who offer namaz, also worshipped rivers from an ecological point of view.
Responding to this, Madani said it was unfortunate that such statements were being made despite the long history of peaceful coexistence between Hindus and Muslims in India. He added that the basic beliefs of Islam are well known and that worshipping God alone, along with belief in Prophethood, is central to being a Muslim.
Madani clarified that Islam strongly encourages the protection of nature, the environment, and the country, viewing humans as caretakers of the earth. However, he stressed that caring for the environment should not be confused with religious worship.
He also expressed concern that senior leaders holding influential positions were making statements without a proper understanding of Muslim beliefs. Madani warned that ignoring core religious principles could harm communal harmony and India’s pluralistic values.
Reaffirming Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind’s stand, he said the organisation remains committed to peace, mutual respect, and dialogue between communities.
