The Darul Uloom Deoband -- a leading centre of Islamic learning, categorically stated on Monday that it had not issued any fatwa on Vande Mataram. It added that it has not directed Muslim children to skip classes on September 7 to protest against its mandatory recitation in the Bharatiya Janata Party-ruled states.

Accusing 'communal forces' of maligning the 130-year-old Islamic institution, Mohatamim Maulana Margoobur Rehman, the rector, said that it had neither issued any fatwa nor appealed on this issue after the Human Resource Development Ministry issued a directive to all schools to recite the national song on September 7 which marks the centenary of the song.

"The Darul Uloom is being unneccesarily dragged into the Vande Mataram controversy," he said, adding that Muslims are true patriots and there was no need to question their patriotism.

Terming it unfair to target the ulema of the Darul Uloom, Deoband, without ascertaining facts on the issue, the Maulana said they did not wish to be party to any 'political controversy'.

"Ours is purely religious centre, concentrating on the teachings of Islam, which also supports peace and harmony," he added.

On the issue that taking of life insurance policy by a Muslim is an 'un-Islamic act', he said the Darul Uloom has not issued any decree, but given its comments in the light of Islamic law. "The fatwa cannot be forcibly implemented," he noted.