Sunday, May 1 2005 20:15 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bhopal: Accusing western media of attempting to create differences and doubts about Islam through a 'false propaganda', All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), while releasing a 'Bhopal declaration' today (May 1, 2005), resolved to uphold status of Muslim women by respecting them and according them their due property rights.

"Western media has been involved in creating differences and doubts about Islam and divisions among the Muslims. It is natural that this false propaganda will have its effects in India," AIMPLB secretary Abdul Rahim Quereshi said at a press conference in Bhopal, reading out the 'Bhopal declaration' cleared during the two-day board's general council meeting.

In the name of globalisation, the media has been involved in cultural onslaught, of not only Islam, but other religions too thereby lowering ethical values, he alleged adding the declaration asks all Muslims to imbibe principles of Islam and confront this malicious campaign by spreading its preachings.

Quereshi, who gave details of the declaration and model Nikahnama to community members at a public meeting later in the evening, said constructive steps will be taken to uphold the rights of Muslim women.

"Islam gives women the highest stature. No example of this kind could be found in any other religion," he said, alleging that women are now being treated as commodities and used to market products.

The declaration asks Muslims to accord "sisters and daughters" their due property rights, he said.

The 'Bhopal declaration' also asks Muslim community members to respect women and uphold their rights in all walks of life, Quereshi said.

The two-day meeting that ended this afternoon, also discussed other issues including social work being carried out to wipe off 'common evils', the AIMPLB secretary said adding efforts would be made to include non-Muslim speakers and audience in seminars and functions organised in this direction.

The board also discussed a writ petition filed in the Supreme Court by All India Hindu Mahasabha seeking implementation of common civil code and dissolution of bodies like AIMPLB, he said.

"It was decided to file an intervening petition before the apex court with written arguments against the writ," Quereshi added.