Mass conversion to Islam and marriage ceremony by IMC chief stirs political and community debate

Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan, the chief of Ittehad-e-Millat Council (IMC), has planned a significant event on July 21—a mass conversion to Islam and marriage ceremony in Barelly, which is already sparking intense discussions across political and community lines. The ceremony, set to solidify the relationships of five couples in its first phase, has prompted the IMC chief to seek official permission from local authorities.

So far, Maulana Tauqeer claims to have received 23 applications from couples eager to legalize and solemnize their unions under the auspices of the IMC. The event is scheduled to take place at Khaleel Higher Secondary School and begins at 11 AM. Among the applicants are eight boys and fifteen girls, already decided on their relationships and living arrangements, which include live-in scenarios.

In a recent statement, Maulana Tauqeer expressed concerns about the current societal norms, noting that while Indian law recognizes live-in relationships and grants rights to same-sex couples, these do not align with the teachings of Islam and, purportedly, Hinduism. He stated, “While the law permits these arrangements, our religion does not.” This highlights a clash between secular laws and religious values, further intensifying the debate within the community.

The proposal for the event has been officially submitted to the City Magistrate, with Nadeem Qureshi, the in-charge from IMC, playing a key role in the communications. The request is currently under review, awaiting a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the police, confirmed City Magistrate Rajeev Shukla. The outcome will largely depend on this report, which will assess the potential impacts and legality of the proposed event.

This planned mass conversion and marriage event by the IMC is a testament to the ongoing interplay between traditional religious practices and modern legal frameworks in India. It also reflects the social dynamics where personal relationships intersect with broader cultural and religious norms. The administration’s decision will likely set a precedent for how similar events are handled in the future, balancing the rights of individuals against communal and cultural expectations.