Out of 1000 ‘converts’ not a single person complained of ‘forceful conversion’ by Umar Gautam in 35 years

23
Umar Gautam

By Hasan Akram

New Delhi: The Uttar Pradesh Police have arrested Umar Gautam, a converted Muslim previously known as Pratap Singh Gautam and Mufti Jahangir Qasmi under the state’s draconian anti-conversion law. The police have accused them of having forcibly converted 1,000 Hindus to Islam but interestingly not a single one of them have alleged forceful conversion. None of the alleged converts have filed any complaint or spoken to the media about being forced to accept Islam.

Supreme Court lawyer Khalid Akhtar says the police do not need any victim’s complaint to arrest someone under Uttar Pradesh’s anti-conversion law because the burden of proof has been put on the accused. Thus, the accused are required to prove they are innocent.

”The law is a tool to indiscriminately arrest and punish anybody with reverse onus of proof. It instils fear to freely follow once conscience guaranteed under article 25,” Akhtar added.

Several problems have emerged with respect to the police investigation against Umar Gautam and Jahangir Qasmi. According to a Times of India report, a team of UP Police on 23 June went to Shitla Kheda village in the state’s Saharanpur district to find one ”Abdul Samad” as the name was on the list of 1,000 people who have allegedly been forcibly converted. But the team found one staunch Hindu nationalist who has written books on PM Modi and UP CM Yogi and had not converted to Islam. The man identified as Praveen Kumar was even aware of his name being on the list of alleged converts.

Prashant Kumar, additional director general of the UP Police, said that they unearthed the “conversion racket” while investigating a case filed at Ghaziabad’s Masuri police station.

The case was filed on June 4 against Mohd Ramzan alias Vipul Vijayvargiya and his brother-in-law Mohd Kashif who had allegedly tried going into Ghaziabad’s Dasna temple by hiding their identities, Kumar alleged, with the aim of assassinating its priest, Yati Narsighanand Saraswati.

The investigation into Ramzan and Kashif, Kumar claimed, led the ATS to Umar Gautam who they allegedly found was involved in the “forced conversion” of about 1,000 Hindus.

However, scores of converted Muslims and Hindus have rubbished the police version and raised their strong concerns against the criminalisation of Maulana Umar Gautam by the Indian media.

Saurabh Dutt Sharma, currently known as Mohammad Sufiyan, told this correspondent that he was in touch with Umar Gautam since 2013 but he never pressurised him to change his religious identity. ”He is wrongly being criminalised by the media, which is not good for our country. This tends to damage social harmony in the country,” he added.

Another converted Muslim named Vinesh says he met Maulana Gautam after he found that Islam was the true religion. ”He did not ask me to convert immediately. Rather he gave some books and asked to study more. He asked me to come back when I am completely satisfied about Islam,” he said.

Like Sharma and Dinesh, several other non-Muslims and converted Muslims have spoken about their experience with Maulana Gautam. Their video bytes have been published by Muslim Mirror, Millat Times and Maktoob Media etc.

Sharma stated that Maulana Gautam and his organisation, Islamic Dawah Centre, was involved in spreading the true messages of Islam and helping people remove their misconceptions about the religion. The IDC also helped converted Muslims get legal conversion certificates issued.

He added that the conversion certificates were issued under the relevant provisions of the constitution that allows people to choose or quit any religion.

In a five-year-old video, Mr. Gautam can be heard saying that his organisation is not interested in converting people just to increase the count. Their aim is to remove people’s misunderstanding and provide proper information. ”Then, the decision is in their hand,” he says.

It is noteworthy that Umar Gautam embraced Islam in 1984 and he has been involved in a mission to provide proper information about Islam. But not a single person has claimed that he forced anyone to accept Islam in 35 years of his life as a Muslim.

23 COMMENTS

  1. It is not a question of forceful conversion or not. First of all why you help people in converting the religion? why only economically weaker section is converted to Islam? People like you & Zakir Naik provide financial support to these families for conversion. You people are very lucky, you stay in India. Just imagine, if a hindu in Pakistan converts 1000 muslims into Hinduism.. what will happen? He will be immediately killed..
    Conversion law is heavily misused by muslims & hence there is an urgent need to make anti-conversion law very strict. Also, government should take religious examination of a person who wishes to convert.

    • Brother All muslim will become hindu if you will prove Hinduism a better choice according to both the scriptures go and compare them and try to point out a single point in quran which talks anything rubbish or nonsense or promotes any act which harms humanity and if you you can get any holy book better than Quran and which can guide you better then show us and tell us all of us will convet but firs you have to read and compare both vedas ,puranas and Quran completely
      Go ahead

      • If Islam is so open to discuss other religions then why Islamic countries don’t allow propagation of other religions? If they really allow, you will not find a single Islamic country all over the world.

      • Quran allows to kill innocent animals where as Hinduism, Buddhism & Jainism considers it to be severe sin. Now don’t waste your time & get converted into Hinduism/Buddhism/Jainism.

        • look brother ..you also know that many of hindu’s also eat meat like chicken and mutton. and many of my friends also eat beaf .. i prove to you …and thay are not doing any any sin in my accordance. why don’t you read vedas , puranas , not a single verse in veda that say worship sculptures …i am a better hindu than you beacause i follow veda also . and veda also proves about mohammad . who is kalki avtar ? prophecy about prophet muhammad in holy books of hindu religion. there is a mention of kalki avtaar in bhagvat puran, bhagvat puran, khand 12, chapter2, verses 18-20. in which it is written that, he will be born in the house of vishnu yash who is noble brahmin chief of village sambala and his name will be kalki.
          the meaning of vishnu yash is gods man( allah ka banda), and the name of the prophet muhammad was abdullah whose meaning gods man( allah ka banda),

    • What is there to stop Hindu majority community to take care and provide welfare to economically deprived sections of the society and the law castes? If they are not provided for, they would naturally seek help and welfare for the betterment elsewhere. It’s a natural law, part of the ecosystem since time immemorial. Finally it is false to say conversion is mainly taking place among the economically deprived Hindu community; many conversion is actually happening among middle class and lower middle class sections of the society, particularly among Hindu atheists and agnostics who simply want to further their quest for truth and knowledge. There’s nothing stoping you either to seek, investigate for truth with an open objective mind. Last but not least, why target only Muslim missionary workers/Da’wah workers (known as Daais, meaning preachers) only? Christian and Buddhist missionaries, atheist humanist foundations converting many Hindus and Muslims alike to atheism/humanism, and of course the Hindu Iskon missionaries in Bangladesh and elsewhere who carry out missionary works at a similar scale yet no complaints or fury about them? Or is it because the Anglo American Christian missionaries –– many often being closely connected with philanthropy projects of multinational companies’ CEOs that sponsors thousands of of H1-B visas to Indian IT professionals –– provide economic and investment benefits and employment opportunities overseas and Muslims don’t, notwithstanding the fact that Muslim majority Arab Middle East region provides the bulk of trade and employment opportunities for millions of Indians, sending billions of dollars to nations’ forex reserves? Don’t kill the goose that lays the golden egg for short term populism.
      …food for thought.

    • No, that’s entirely incorrect. Nobody is asking anybody to become a Muslim. The goal is to clear the misconceptions around Islam and make them aware what Islam is in its true spirit. To convert or not is then their own decision.

      Also what do you mean “You people”!! We were born here, we are part of this country as much as you are. What makes you think you are superior and others do not belong here?

      Also, I don’t understand what is the problem with one changing his religion!? Why does it bother others if a person becomes a Muslim or Hindu or anything for that matter?

  2. I don’t understand why convert at all, if Islam is so great and Muslims are so honourable, people will line up to accept Islam. US or Europe don’t actively give away visas, but people line up for it due to the hope of a better life. My suggestion would be to all Muslims to grow and be millionaires, then others will line up to convert 😂😂

    • I agree and that’s exactly what Gautam said in the video. Nobody is asking anybody to become a Muslim. The goal is to clear the misconceptions around Islam and make them aware what Islam is in its true spirit. To convert or not is then their own decision. Do you really think a bunch of people can “forcefully” convert a 1000 people without anybody knowing? It’s not something that can go unnoticed at all if illegitimate.

      We really want people to see what are our children being taught in madarsas(Islamic schools). Nobody teaches them to hate other religions or other people, never. They are taught to be better humans, better Muslims.

  3. Brothers, Hinduism does not have a creed. Hinduism is not a religion per se. Hinduism is vast conglomerate of distinct faith, rituals and traditions. E.g. A bengali hindu is altogether different from a gujrati hindu.
    And, its one of the major reason that hindu missionaries is no concept at all. Hence, hindus converting Muslims to Hinduism in Pakistan is a conjecture.

    The other point, people are rushing to America for capital and monetary based benefits. The so-called better life is all about the luxuries which comes from capital expense. However, spiritual life gives the better life not through luxuries but through salvation and contentment. Read, the monk who sold his Ferrari.any rich/avg./poor American let everything go for seeking the spiritual path. Islam is the righteous spiritual path and that’s what attracts people to it rather than taking flight to a capital base economy land.
    I hope you got the common sense I am talking about.

    • Hinduism, Jainism or Buddhism gives you to very high level of spirituality. You people can never reach over there because you are meat eaters. The person who consumes meat can never achieve purity of mind which is required for spiritual growth.
      People who convert into Abrahamic religions are mainly meat eaters.
      Hinduism allows you different paths to reach god. Such variety you don’t find in other religions. If you really wish to understand Hinduism, then you need to become vegetarian first.

  4. One converts to Islam only due to the appeal of oneness of God. Worship the Creator not the created. There is no compulsion in religion. One converts for the hereafter not any benefit in this life.

  5. If you prove Hinduism a better choice according to scripturs choice each and every muslim will become Hindu if you can go ahed and find a single nonsense in Quran then we will leave islam

    • انسَلَخَ الْأَشْهُرُ الْحُرُمُ فَاقْتُلُوا الْمُشْرِكِينَ حَيْثُ وَجَدتُّمُوهُمْ وَخُذُوهُمْ وَاحْصُرُوهُمْ وَاقْعُدُوا لَهُمْ كُلَّ مَرْصَدٍ ۚ فَإِن تَابُوا وَأَقَامُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَآتَوُا الزَّكَاةَ فَخَلُّوا سَبِيلَهُمْ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّـهَ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ

      “And when the sacred months have passed, then kill the polytheists wherever you find them and capture them and besiege them and sit in wait for them at every place of ambush. But if they should repent, establish prayer, and give zakath, let them [go] on their way. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” (9:5)

      أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا قَاتِلُوا الَّذِينَ يَلُونَكُم مِّنَ الْكُفَّارِ وَلْيَجِدُوا فِيكُمْ غِلْظَةً ۚ وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّ اللَّـهَ مَعَ الْمُتَّقِينَ

      “O People who Believe – fight the disbelievers who are near to you, and let them find severity in you, and know well that Allah is with the pious.” (9:123)

      إِنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا بِآيَاتِنَا سَوْفَ نُصْلِيهِمْ نَارًا كُلَّمَا نَضِجَتْ جُلُودُهُم بَدَّلْنَاهُمْ جُلُودًا غَيْرَهَا لِيَذُوقُوا الْعَذَابَ ۗ إِنَّ اللَّـهَ كَانَ عَزِيزًا حَكِيمًا

      “We shall soon put those who disbelieve in Our signs into the fire; whenever their skins are cooked (fully burnt) We shall change them for new skins so they may taste the punishment (again and again); indeed Allah is Almighty, Wise.” (4:56)

      يَا أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ جَاهِدِ الْكُفَّارَ وَالْمُنَافِقِينَ وَاغْلُظْ عَلَيْهِمْ ۚ وَمَأْوَاهُمْ جَهَنَّمُ ۖ وَبِئْسَ الْمَصِيرُ

      “O Prophet, strive against the disbelievers and the hypocrites and be harsh upon them. And their refuge is Hell, and wretched is the destination.” (66:9)

      قَاتِلُوا الَّذِينَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللَّـهِ وَلَا بِالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ وَلَا يُحَرِّمُونَ مَا حَرَّمَ اللَّـهُ وَرَسُولُهُ وَلَا يَدِينُونَ دِينَ الْحَقِّ مِنَ الَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْكِتَابَ حَتَّىٰ يُعْطُوا الْجِزْيَةَ عَن يَدٍ وَهُمْ صَاغِرُونَ

      “Fight those who do not believe in Allah or in the Last Day and who do not consider unlawful what Allah and His Messenger have made unlawful and who do not adopt the religion of truth from those who were given the Scripture – [fight] until they give the jizyah willingly while they are humbled.” (9:29)

      وَدُّوا لَوْ تَكْفُرُونَ كَمَا كَفَرُوا فَتَكُونُونَ سَوَاءً ۖ فَلَا تَتَّخِذُوا مِنْهُمْ أَوْلِيَاءَ حَتَّىٰ يُهَاجِرُوا فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّـهِ ۚ فَإِن تَوَلَّوْا فَخُذُوهُمْ وَاقْتُلُوهُمْ حَيْثُ وَجَدتُّمُوهُمْ ۖ وَلَا تَتَّخِذُوا مِنْهُمْ وَلِيًّا وَلَا نَصِيرًا

      “They wish you would disbelieve as they disbelieved so you would be alike. So do not take from among them allies until they emigrate for the cause of Allah. But if they turn away, then seize them and kill them wherever you find them and take not from among them any ally or helper.” (4:89)

      The war-related Ahadith are as follows;

      Sahih Bukhari (Book 52, Hadith 177) Sahih Bukhari (Book 52, Hadith 256) Sahih Bukhari (Book 52, Hadith 65) Sahih Bukhari (Book 3, Hadith 125) Sahih Bukhari (Book 52, Hadith 220) Sahih Bukhari (Book 52, Hadith 44) Abu Dawud (Book 14, Hadith 2526) Abu Dawud (Book 14, Hadith 2527) Sahih Muslim (Book 1, Hadith 33) Sahih Bukhari (Book 8, Hadith 387) Sahih Muslim (Book 1, Hadith 30) Sahih Bukhari (Book 52, Hadith 73) Sahih Bukhari (Book 11, Hadith 626) Sahih Muslim (Book 1, Hadith 149) Sahih Muslim (Book 20, Hadith 4645) Sahih Muslim (Book 20, Hadith 4696) Sahih Muslim (Book 19, Hadith 4321-4323) Sahih Muslim (Book 19, Hadith 4294) Sahih Muslim (Book 31, Hadith 5917) Sahih Muslim (Book 31, Hadith 5918) Sahih Bukhari (Book 2, Hadith 35) Sunan an-Nasa’i (Book 25, Hadith 13) Sunan Ibn Majah (Book 24, Hadith 2794)

      Some of the nonsense in Qur’an, go on, make up to your promise and don’t start telling stuff about context and quoted out of context etc.

  6. It seems from the comments here is Muslim preachers are targeting Hindu communities among the economically weak sections of the society. Well, what is there to stop the Hindu majority community to take care and provide welfare to economically deprived sections of the society and the law castes and more importantly provide full equality by removing all caste discrimination? If a community facing economic hardship is not provided for, they would naturally seek help and welfare for the betterment elsewhere. It’s a natural law, part of the human ecosystem since time immemorial. Finally it is false to say conversion is mainly taking place among the economically deprived Hindu community; many conversion is actually happening among middle class and lower middle class sections of the society, particularly among Hindu atheists and agnostics who simply want to further their quest for truth and knowledge. There’s nothing stoping you either to seek, investigate for truth with an open objective mind. Last but not least, why target only Muslim missionary workers/Da’wah workers (known as Daais, meaning preachers) only? Christian and Buddhist missionaries, atheist humanist foundations converting many Hindus and Muslims alike to atheism/humanism, and of course the Hindu Iskon missionaries in Bangladesh and elsewhere who carry out missionary works at a similar scale yet no complaints or fury about them? Or is it because the Anglo American Christian missionaries –– many often being closely connected with philanthropy projects of multinational companies’ CEOs that sponsors thousands of of H1-B visas to Indian IT professionals –– provide economic and investment benefits and employment opportunities overseas and Muslims don’t, notwithstanding the fact that Muslim majority Arab Middle East region provides the bulk of trade and employment opportunities for millions of Indians, sending billions of dollars to nations’ forex reserves? Don’t kill the goose that lays the golden egg for short term populism.
    …food for thought.

    Ismail Y Syed
    Twitter @IsmailYSyed

  7. Truth has an attraction all its own. The monotheistic religion of Abraham is the true religion & Islam is the up to date expression of the religion of Abraham. Abraham advised not to worship idols, but to worship the one true God of the universe. Idols have no power to benefit or harm, so it doesn’t make sense to beseech them. God alone has power to benefit and advance our situation. We should believe in God, and thank God for all his blessings. God will forgive those who believe in him and enter them into his paradise. If we dont accept the evident truth (God) and turn to God, then ones sins remain outstanding and a person lands them self into hell as a result….

    • David Powers, a well-known researcher of classical Islam, agreed that 9:5 abrogates no less than 124 verses that command or imply anything less than a total offensive against the non-believers. However, he says the verse is itself considered to be abrogated by the conditional clause with which it concludes: “But if they repent and perform the prayer and pay the alms, then let them go their way.”[64] But such a condition is not magnanimous: When infidels repent and perform the Muslim prayer and pay alms, it means they have become Muslims. Once they are Muslims, there is no need to slay them. The clause thus becomes more coercive than conditional. It suggests than a non-Muslim must convert to Islam or be slain.

    • Abrahamic religions are responsible for violence all over the world. Islam, Christinity & Jews consider their religion is only true & others false. This backward thought process has killed millions of innocent people. These religions don’t have animal rights. Killing animals is allowed & hence these religions have remained till human only. However, religions like Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism also supports animal rights. We have been taught not to capture other’s land & propagate peace & harmony.
      People who convert themself into Abrahamic religion are mainly meat eaters.

      • Bro I have a question,If we accept have living being rights,How can we take vaccine, We can’t kill corona virus, because it is a living being,We have no power to take other’s life na?

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