Bareilly, September 28, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi on Monday called for the cow to be declared India’s national animal, claiming that such a move could help prevent communal tensions and resolve several issues related to cow protection. He also said that cow’s milk has healing properties, citing his interpretation of Islamic teachings.
Razvi said that cows had remained a contentious issue in India for a long time and argued that granting them national animal status could help prevent incidents linked to the subject. He claimed that Muslims had also advocated declaring the cow the national animal.
“Muslims have always demanded that cows be declared the national animal. If cows are declared national animal, many of the incidents can be controlled and it will solve a lot of problems,” he said.
Explaining his understanding of Islam’s position on cows, Razvi referred to a religious teaching in which cow’s milk is described as having Shifa (healing properties), while cow meat is associated with diseases. He encouraged people, particularly those who are physically weak, to consume cow’s milk, presenting it as part of the Islamic perspective on cows.
Razvi further said that declaring the cow the national animal could encourage people across communities to protect the animal and help prevent incidents arising from disputes over cow-related issues.
His remarks come amid a political debate over the status of cows following comments by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at a Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) programme organised to mark the birth anniversary of its late leader Ashok Singhal.
Adityanath had said that those who described cows merely as animals had animalistic tendencies, asserting that cows were revered as mothers in Hindu tradition and had a deep cultural and religious significance.
Reacting to the remarks, Congress spokesperson Surendra Rajput accused the BJP of using cow-related issues to generate communal divisions and seek electoral support.
Rajput referred to statements attributed to political leaders in West Bengal, Assam and Goa concerning cow slaughter and beef availability, arguing that the BJP’s position on cow protection was inconsistent.
He also accused the BJP of using religious figures and sentiments for political purposes, contrasting what he described as the party’s approach to Lord Ram and the cow with the religious significance these hold for devotees.
The exchange highlights differing political and religious perspectives on cow protection, the cultural status of cows and their place in India’s public discourse.
FOLLOW NOW
