Receiving the President of the Republic

Question

Question: Several years ago, on the arrival of the President of the Republic at Darul Uloom Deoband, the police put forward two things: first, that a band be played; second, that the national anthem “Jana Gana Mana” be sung. The ‘ulama, however, did not accept the condition of the band, but the opening verses of the national anthem were sung. The ‘ulama and the students of the Darul Uloom will have stood with the President of the Republic. On the basis of what proof was this done?

Answer

Adopting a symbol (shi‘ar) of kufr for anyone’s sake is not permissible; doing something haram is not permissible. It is commendable to treat a guest in accordance with his standing, so long as nothing contrary to the Shari‘a is committed. I have knowledge neither of those verses nor of the details of the circumstances at that time.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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