Muslims should not vote just on the basis of religion: Darool Uloom Deoband

Darul Uloom Deoband has asked Muslims to exercise their franchise, but said one should not vote for a party or leader just on the basis of religion.

"The vote should not be kept back. One should vote for the party and the leader that is better and works in favour of Muslims and the country, as India is democratic and secular," Kul Hind Rabita-e-Masajid (KHRM) general secretary Maulana Abdullah Ibnul Qamar Al Hussaini said while addressing a meeting of clerics in Bhopal on Sunday.

"As per Shariah, the Islamic law, casting a vote is an important thing as it is a testimony...Muslims must exercise their right to choose a candidate instead of just voting for a party or a leader on the basis of religion," he said.

It is the responsibility of every Muslim to use the right to vote as much as possible and correctly, Hussaini added.