In response to the ongoing debate over the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), the Sufi community in India has announced the formation of the All India Sufi Board (AISB). The AISB, announced at a gathering in Mumbai on Saturday, 21 October, aims to safeguard the community's beliefs and places of worship.
What makes the AISB different is its stance on common personal laws for every citizen. This contrasts with the stance of All India Muslim Personal Law Board, a prominent institution for civil laws. The Sufi community's majority supports uniform civil laws for all.
In a report by the Free Press Journal, Haji Arafat Shaikh, a representative of AISB, stated that the organisation will be politically independent. In the coming days, the names of board members will be disclosed, and plans are in place for the construction of a 'Sufi Bhawan' in Navi Mumbai.
Additionally, Abdul Sattar, the Minister for Minority Affairs of Maharashtra, has allocated INR 5 crore for the construction of another 'Sufi Bhawan' in Nashik.
Sufism is a more inclusive branch of Islam. It centres on the veneration of saints in dargahs, or sacred tombs. Despite the scarcity of data, Sufis are believed to constitute a significant portion of India's Muslim population, approximately 14%.
Sufi people, part of the Sufism branch of Islam, are known for their spiritual approach to the faith. They focus on the importance of devotion and seek a personal connection with the divine through practices like music, dance, and meditation.
As discussions continue, a gathering in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, is scheduled later this week.
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