Muslim Forum backs Yogi Adityanath ; Respect for the sentiments of inter-religious majorities is essential for national harmony: Muslim Forum

• Public discourse must respect sacred beliefs instead of creating provocation: Muslim Forum  on CM Yogi’s statement

NEW DELHI: The Forum for Muslim Studies and Analysis (Muslim Forum) on Tuesday welcomed the remarks of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on the issue of Holy Cow protection, stating that the debate should be viewed through the lens of cultural sensitivity and mutual respect rather than political confrontation.

Addressing a public gathering in Bijnor, UP CM Yogi Adityanath said that for Hindus, the cow is revered as a mother and therefore does not require any official declaration to establish its status. His remarks came amid recent discussions generated by statements from certain clerics and public figures regarding the demand to declare the cow a national animal.

Reacting to the developments, the President of the Forum for Muslim Studies and Analysis Prof Jasim Mohammad said that a section of politically motivated voices has increasingly attempted to enter sensitive religious debates for publicity and political messaging rather than genuine social harmony.

“India's strength lies in respecting the sacred symbols of all communities. Unfortunately, some individuals repeatedly raise sensitive issues despite knowing their emotional significance for millions of people. Such symbolic politics neither serves Muslims nor contributes to national harmony,” he said.

The Forum noted that reverence for the cow mother occupies a unique place in Hindu civilisation and that acknowledging this reality should not be controversial in a diverse country like India.

According to the Muslim Forum, Yogi Adityanath's remarks reflect a sentiment shared by a large section of Indian society that cultural and religious traditions deserve respect irrespective of political differences. The organisation observed that public discourse has increasingly become polarised due to attempts by certain groups to convert faith-related issues into political controversies.

The President of Muslim Forum further stated that ordinary Indian Muslims have historically lived alongside communities of different faiths and have generally understood the importance of respecting each other's beliefs and traditions. “The future of India depends not on competing religious sensitivities but on mutual recognition and respect. Responsible leadership requires reducing tensions, not manufacturing them,” he said.

The Muslim Forum also emphasised that discussions concerning religion should be conducted with maturity and responsibility, particularly at a time when social media often amplifies controversy and division.

The Forum for Muslim Studies and Analysis called upon religious leaders, public intellectuals, and political actors across communities to promote dialogue, restraint, and respect for deeply held beliefs. It stated that India's civilisational strength has always rested on coexistence and that this principle must continue to guide public discourse.

The Muslim Forum concluded that cultural respect, social harmony, and constitutional values must remain at the centre of national conversations involving faith and identity.