Examiner News Desk | Srinagar:
National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on Tuesday reacted to remarks made by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath regarding offering prayers on roads, saying the issue required balanced discussion rather than political polarisation.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Ruhullah said that according to Islamic principles, offering namaz by blocking roads is not encouraged, but added that the matter should be viewed as part of internal social reform rather than political targeting.
“In Shariat, we are not permitted to block roads and offer namaz on them. That is a separate issue. However, this is also a matter of internal reform, and Muslims need internal reform on certain issues,” he said.
The Srinagar MP said discussions within the community on such matters were necessary, but criticised what he termed as attempts to politicise religious practices.
“There are some matters on which we need discussion, and that is separate. But these people do politics in the name of religion,” Ruhullah said.
He further pointed out that road blockages are not limited to religious prayers alone and occur during festivals and public events across communities.
“Roads are blocked not only because of namaz, but also during Diwali and Holi. There are many occasions during Hindu festivals when roads are also blocked,” he added.
Ruhullah stressed the need for equal standards and constructive dialogue instead of selective criticism targeting any particular religious community.
