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I Will Not Stop Saying 'Jai Shree Ram', Says Bihar's Minority Welfare Minister After Fatwa

"Islam teaches you to love all."
ANI

A fatwa was issued by the Mufti of Imarat Shariah in Patna against Janata Dal (United) (JDU) leader Firoz Ahmad for saying 'Jai Shri Ram', however, the Minority Welfare minister on Sunday said he would keep saying it if it was important for the country.

Khurshid, who was a part of the RJD-JD(U) 'mahagathbandhan', was once again made a minister in the JD(U)-BJP government.

"If saying 'Jai Shri Ram' is important for the country, then I would not stop myself from saying it. I was not just elected to serve the Muslim community. My duty is to serve the public of Bihar, irrespective of their cast, creed and religion", Ahmad told ANI.

I was not just elected to serve the Muslim community. My duty is to serve the public of Bihar, irrespective of their cast, creed and religion."

Ahmad asserted that his religion cannot be questioned based on the phrase 'Jai Shri Ram'.

"Islam teaches you to love all. My faith is not so weak that just by saying 'Jai Shri Ram', I will turn into a Hindu. Allah knows my purpose of saying ' Jai Shri Ram'. We all worship the same God", he said.

The JD (U) leader further said that he's not afraid of the fatwa and his work would prove his identity.

"My work would prove my identity. I am not scared about the Fatwa at all. I don't have anything to lose. I am would only be afraid, if I am unable to fulfill my responsibilities towards the public of Bihar", he said.

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This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost India, which closed in 2020. Some features are no longer enabled. If you have questions or concerns about this article, please contact indiasupport@huffpost.com.