Row erupts over Bengal minister’s remarks at Muslim religious event, BJP says ‘highly condemnable’

Hakim said, “I have a request for this foundation. That is… if we do such a ceremony, especially the people of Islam, it (Islam) should be spread among non-Muslims. Because we have the mercy of our own Allah. We are born with Islam by birth and being born with Islam means that our Messenger has paved the way for us to Paradise. If I don’t do any big wrong, being born with Islam means reaching heaven in future.”

He added, “But those whom Allah has not given that mercy, if they understand the meaning of recitation and the Quran Sharif and if we make even one person believe, then our path to Paradise will be absolutely safe. We ourselves are Muslims, born in a Muslim home, brought up in a Muslim home, our prayer etiquette is known to most people. But those who were born with misfortune, those who were not born with Islam, Islam is also called to them. That is, if they believe in Islam after being invited to do so, it will please Allah Ta’ala.”

Hakim’s remarks drew sharp criticism from the BJP.

Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari said, “He (Hakim) talked about urging people from other communities to convert. We have to fight back against this… We have to fight a Dharma Yuddha.”

BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar also hit out at Hakim and said, “The remarks made by Firhad Hakim are highly condemnable. They are extremely offensive and divisive. Such comments undermine the principles of religious freedom and equality.”

Asked about the criticism over remarks, Hakim told mediapersons, “I follow my own religion. I do Durga Puja. I do Kali Puja. Those who are stupid call me sectarian.”