'Sare Jahan captures spirit of India better'

AHMEDABAD/LUCKNOW: Most madrassas of

Gujarat

celebrated Independence Day by unfurling the

Tricolor

on August 15 but there were some who courted controversy by not singing the national anthem. Instead, these madrassas sang '

Sare Jahan Se Achchha

' by poet Allama Iqbal.

On August 15, most madrassas in central and eastern UP celebrated Independence Day by hoisting the Tricolor and singing the national anthem. But in many madrassas in Bareilly and other places in western UP, 'Sare Jahan Se Achchha', and not Rabindranath Tagore's 'Jana Gana Mana' was sung. Iqbal Beg, manager of Abul Kalam Azad madrassa, which skipped the national anthem, said, "We have always sung 'Sare Jahan Se Accha'. Many people do not understand the translated meaning of certain words in our national anthem, like 'Bharat Bhagya Vidhata', which is objectionable to us. Our 'bhagya vidhata' is only God."

In Ahmedabad, meanwhile, Mohammed Haroon Ahmed Siddique, office-bearer of Darul Uloom Shaikh Ahmed Khattu Madrasa in Sarkehj, said that the national anthem includes the name of Sindh province which is part of Pakistan. "So should we praise Pakistan? Why do so when they misuse Indian Muslims and hurt their sentiments?" Siddique said.

Siddique is deputy mufti and son of Mufti

Shabbir Ahmed

Siddique of Jama Masjid.

He further said that they celebrated Independence Day at the madrassa premises with enthusiasm as they are proud to be Indians.

"We unfurled the Tricolour, distributed sweets as we have done for years but did not sing the national anthem as it mentions the name of 'Sindh' (which is today in Pakistan). Instead we sang 'Sare Jahan Se Achchha Hindustan Hamara' by noted poet Allama Iqbal," Siddique said. Independence Day was also celebrated with zeal and enthusiasm at Faizan English School and Jamia Faizanul Quran in Saraspur on August 15. Managing trustee and founder of the organization, Maulana Habib Ahmed, said they unfurled the Tricolor and distributed sweets and students sang patriotic chants.

“We sang the National Anthem too. Singing the National Anthem will not put you out of “imaan“ (Faith). However, if we dislike Pakistan then there is no need to mention the name of Sindh in our National Anthem,“ Maulana Habib Ahmed said.

He further said that they had been celebrating Independence Day since 1994 by unfurling the national flag. “This time too we had a grand celebration,“ said Maulana Habib Ahmed.


Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India. Don't miss the yearly horoscope 2025 and Chinese horoscope 2025 for Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig zodiac signs. Spread love this holiday season with these New Year wishes and messages.