UP Cleric Sparks Row After Claiming Lord Krishna Was Muslim and Offered Namaz

A fresh controversy has erupted after a video of Uttar Pradesh-based cleric Maulana Jarjis Ansari went viral, in which he claims that Lord Krishna was a Muslim who offered namaz five times a day. The remarks have drawn sharp reactions from several Hindu organisations, which have demanded his immediate arrest.

The video, reportedly recorded during a religious gathering in Jharkhand on June 23, has resurfaced amid the ongoing Krishna Janmabhoomi dispute, intensifying public debate.

What Did Maulana Jarjis Ansari Say?

In the viral speech, Ansari cited Chapter 6, Verse 10 of the Bhagavad Gita, claiming that it instructs devotees to worship with their "entire body" and argued that Lord Krishna himself offered prayers five times a day.

Addressing the gathering, he said that those who study Hindu scriptures carefully would "begin to love Islam," further claiming that Islam was a universal faith preached not only by Prophet Muhammad but also by Lord Ram and Lord Krishna.

The remarks quickly spread across social media, triggering criticism from religious groups and several users online.

Bhagavad Gita Verse Under Debate

The verse quoted by Ansari is from Chapter 6, Verse 10 of the Bhagavad Gita.

The commonly accepted translation states:

"Let the yogi constantly engage in meditation, remaining in solitude, alone, with mind and self under control, free from desires and free from possessiveness."

The verse discusses meditation, self-discipline and spiritual practice. It does not contain any reference to Islam, namaz or offering prayers five times a day.

Hindu Organisations Demand Action

Following the circulation of the video, several Hindu organisations staged protests and demanded legal action against the cleric.

Protesters argued that the remarks hurt religious sentiments and called for his arrest.

At the time of writing, there was no official confirmation regarding any police action in connection with the viral speech.

Previous Controversies

Maulana Jarjis Ansari has been involved in controversies in the past.

In 2022, another video of the cleric drew criticism after he made remarks regarding marital relations and women during a religious discourse.

He was also convicted in a 2016 rape case, with a Varanasi fast-track court in September 2022 sentencing him to 10 years' imprisonment after finding him guilty of rape on the pretext of marriage and criminal intimidation.

According to the prosecution, the complainant alleged that Ansari sexually assaulted her on multiple occasions, recorded the acts and later blackmailed her. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 10,000.

Controversy Rekindles Debate

The resurfacing of the video has reignited discussions around religious interpretation and public speeches, particularly as it coincides with the ongoing legal and public discourse surrounding the Krishna Janmabhoomi issue.

The controversy continues to generate reactions across social media and political circles.

Key Highlights

• A video of Maulana Jarjis Ansari claiming Lord Krishna was a Muslim has gone viral.
• The cleric cited Bhagavad Gita Chapter 6, Verse 10 to support his claim.
• The commonly accepted translation of the verse makes no reference to Islam or namaz.
• Hindu organisations have demanded legal action against the cleric.
• Ansari has been involved in previous controversies, including a 2022 conviction in a rape case.

FAQs

What did Maulana Jarjis Ansari claim?

He claimed during a religious speech that Lord Krishna was a Muslim who offered namaz five times a day and cited a verse from the Bhagavad Gita to support his interpretation.

Which Bhagavad Gita verse did he refer to?

Ansari referred to Chapter 6, Verse 10 of the Bhagavad Gita.

Does the Bhagavad Gita mention namaz?

The commonly accepted translation of Chapter 6, Verse 10 discusses meditation, self-control and solitude. It does not mention Islam, namaz or offering prayers five times a day.

Why has the video become controversial?

The remarks have been criticised by several Hindu organisations, which say they hurt religious sentiments and have demanded legal action against the cleric.

Has Maulana Jarjis Ansari faced controversies before?

Yes. He has previously faced criticism over public remarks and was convicted in a 2016 rape case, for which he was sentenced to 10 years in prison in 2022.