Imarat-e-Sharia lands in controversy over Kuwaiti Sheikhs visit

The visit of two Kuwaiti Sheikhs to Patna early last month has left a storm in its wake. Allegations are being hurled all around about the role of several Muslim organisations and one in particular - the Imarat-e-Sharia - a hitherto non-controversial organisation, has been under fire for allegedly 'anti-national' activities.

The Imarat-e-Sharia (Bihar and Orissa) is the only organisation of its kind in the country. It is a sternly orthodox institution which is in the business of interpreting the subtleties of Muslim law and itsfatwas(decrees) on the subject are considered authoritative. Based in Phulwarisharif on the outskirts of Patna, it has always gone about its business quietly and managed to scrupuously keep away from the limelight.

That was until last month when the Kuwaiti amirs came. Nobody knows exactly what brought Oad-al-Khalfuzia and Rashid-ul-Khair, the two amirs, to Patna and there is certainly no proof that they were up to mischief.