Vande Mataram Contains ‘Shirk-Based Concepts, Arshad Madani

Thursday, 11 December 2025 | Web Desk

Maulana Arshad Madani — President of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind (Arshad faction) and head teacher of Darul Uloom Deoband — has declared India’s national song Vande Mataram to be incompatible with Islamic belief, calling its wording “shirk-based” and contrary to fundamental principles of the Muslim faith.

Speaking on the issue, Maulana Arshad Madani said that Muslims do not object to others singing or reciting Vande Mataram, but Islamic belief allows worship of only one God, without associating anyone or anything with Him. “A Muslim worships only Allah, and no one can be associated in that worship,” he reiterated.

He emphasized again that the national song contains concepts that conflict with core Islamic teachings. According to him, several verses of Vande Mataram metaphorically liken the homeland to the Hindu goddess Durga and use words that imply worship, which he said goes against the foundational creed of Islam. “‘Mother, I bow to you; Mother, I worship you’—these lines clearly show that the hymn was written in praise of the Hindu goddess Durga, not for the homeland,” he stated.

Maulana Madani further noted that under the Indian Constitution, no citizen can be forced to adopt any slogan, song, or ideology that contradicts their religious beliefs or sentiments.

“Love for one’s country and worship are two completely different things,” he added, stating that India’s Muslims do not need anyone’s certification regarding their patriotism.