'India is not a Muslim nation, those who are criticising me should go to Pakistan'; Imam reacts to receiving fatwa for attending Prana Pratishtha ceremony in Ayodhya

LUCKNOW: People from various fields including religious scholars, politicians and film stars participated in the Prana Pratishtha ceremony at the Ram temple in Ayodhya held on January 22. Now, it is alleged that a fatwa has been issued against All India Imam Organization chief Dr Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi after he attended the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony. The Imam said that although the fatwa was issued on Sunday, he had been receiving threat calls since the Ram Temple event.

"As a chief Imam, I received the invitation from Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra. I contemplated for two days and then decided to go to Ayodhya for harmony and for the country. The fatwa was issued yesterday but I had been receiving threat calls since the evening of January 22," Ilyasi said to a media outlet.

"I have recorded a few calls wherein the callers gave me life threats...Those who love me, love the nation will support me. Those who hate me for attending the ceremony should perhaps go to Pakistan. I have given a message of love. I did not do any crime," he added.

He further said that he would neither apologize nor resign and said, "They can do whatever they want."

Earlier on January 22, Dr Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi attended the Pran Pratishtha ceremony in Ayodhya and said that his job is to spread the message of love and harmony.