What Is the Ruling on Mandatory Singing of Vande Mataram?

Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Question

What is the ruling on making singing Vande Mataram compulsory in schools and madrasas?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.

Some verses of this song raise a theological concern, because they use language of devotion toward the motherland rather than toward God. One should avoid singing those parts and work with local authorities to make it optional.

Vande Mataram, meaning “I bow to thee, Mother,” was written in the 1870s by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee and is widely regarded as India’s national song.

The concern is not patriotism or India itself, but whether a person should be compelled to recite words of devotion that belong to Allah alone.

This is why making it optional rather than mandatory is the sounder path.

Allah Most High says, “Say: Verily my prayer, my worship and sacrifice, the works of my life, and those when I die, are but for Allah, Lord of all Worlds of Beings.” [Quran 6:162; Keller, The Quran Beheld]

Clarifying Misplaced Allegiance

It is related that a man asked the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace), “O Messenger of Allah, is love for one’s people a form of fanaticism (asabiyya)?” He replied, “No. Rather, asabiyya is that a person supports his people in wrongdoing.” [Ibn Maja]

The principle holds firm: one never places loyalty to country, tribe, or people above obedience to Allah and the bounds of justice. An open, respectful conversation with the authorities and patient consultation is the way to seek a policy that respects every community’s beliefs.

And Allah knows best.

[Shaykh] Faraz Rabbani

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Shaykh Faraz Rabbani is a recognized specialist scholar in the Islamic sciences, having studied under leading scholars from around the world. He is the Founder and Executive Director of SeekersGuidance.

Shaykh Faraz stands as a distinguished figure in Islamic scholarship. His journey in seeking knowledge is marked by dedication and depth. He spent ten years studying under some of the most revered scholars of our times. His initial studies took place in Damascus. He then continued in Amman, Jordan.

In Damascus, he was privileged to learn from the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas. Shaykh Adib al-Kallas was renowned as the foremost theologian of his time. Shaykh Faraz also studied under Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi in Damascus. Shaykh Hassan is recognized as one of the leading Hanafi jurists of our era.

Upon completing his studies, Shaykh Faraz returned to Canada in 2007. His return marked a new chapter in his service to the community. He founded SeekersGuidance. The organization reflects his commitment to spreading Islamic knowledge. It aims to be reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible. This mission addresses both online and on-the-ground needs.

Shaykh Faraz is also an accomplished author. His notable work includes “Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School,” published by White Thread Press in 2004, which is a significant contribution to Islamic literature.

His influence extends beyond his immediate community. Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been recognized as one of the 500 most influential Muslims. This recognition comes from the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center. It underscores his impact on the global Islamic discourse.

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani’s life and work embody a profound commitment to Islamic scholarship. His teachings continue to enlighten and guide seekers of knowledge worldwide.