Mahamandaleshwar Yatindranand Giri Questions Islamic Grave Practices, Calls Mughals ‘Looters’:

Mahamandaleshwar Yatindranand Giri of Juna Akhara has made a controversial statement, questioning the existence of graves and tombs in Islamic tradition. Speaking at the residence of BJP leader Kapil Singhal in Kot Purvi Mohalla, Sambhal, Giri claimed that there is no religious basis in Islam for building permanent tombs or mazaars.

"No Provision for Permanent Graves in Islam" – Giri

Giri said he has studied Islamic practices and believes that constructing permanent graves or tombs contradicts the religion's teachings. According to him, Islam requires that burial be concluded by simply covering the body with soil. He argued that erecting permanent structures over graves and adding roofs is not in line with Islamic principles.

He further commented, “If individuals who follow Islam are constructing tombs, they are going against the teachings of their own religion.”

"Mughals Were Looters, Not Natives" – Giri

Referring to the Mughal emperors, Giri described them as invaders and looters who came to India for wealth. He questioned the practice of preserving their graves and argued that such memorials should be removed and sent back to the countries of their origin.

Giri stated, “The Mughals did not belong to India. They came from outside and were focused on plundering. Honoring them through monuments or graves is inappropriate.”

He added that if the countries from which the Mughals came were prosperous and culturally strong, their influence would still be visible today, which, according to him, is not the case.

Ongoing Debate on Aurangzeb's Tomb

The remarks come at a time when a nationwide debate is ongoing over the tomb of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in Maharashtra. Political leaders are divided on whether such structures should remain or be removed, with arguments on both sides continuing to surface in the public domain.