Guwahati: In the wake of the recent beef ban imposed by the Assam government, prominent Islamic cleric Maulana Shahabuddin Rizvi Barelvi has called upon Muslims in the state to voluntarily abstain from consuming beef.
The cleric, who heads the All India Muslim Jamaat, accused Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of harboring an “anti-Muslim mindset.”
“Himanta Biswa Sarma consistently targets the Muslim community,” Rizvi said in a statement. “His actions and rhetoric are undeniably anti-Muslim.”
Despite the ban, the cleric emphasized that Islam does not mandate the consumption of beef. “People’s dietary choices are personal,” he explained. “The ban will have no significant impact on the Muslim community.”
Rizvi urged Muslims to prioritize unity and resilience in the face of such restrictions. “Life and death are in the hands of God,” he said. “Let us demonstrate our faith and character by voluntarily foregoing beef consumption.”
On December 4, Chief Minister Sarma announced a comprehensive ban on the serving and consumption of beef in public places across Assam. The decision, approved by the state cabinet, aims to strengthen existing laws and prohibit beef consumption in restaurants, hotels, and public gatherings.
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