MUMBAI: The 129-year-old sea-facing Islam Gymkhana near Marine Drive, a popular sports hub and centre for socio-cultural activities, is in the eye of a storm after its president Yusuf Abrahni banned rummy and other card games on its premises.
Claiming that some members indulged in gambling while playing rummy, Abrahni closed the card room on Friday, which was Eid-e-Milad. The members have alleged that “a very religious” Abrahni is changing the Gymkhana’s “liberal” character and turning it into a “madrassa”.
“If Abrahni knew that some members gambled at the Gymkhana, why didn’t he lodge a complaint?” asked Ishtiaq Ali, a member. “It is a club not a madrassa. He should not play the religion card.”
Abrahni, a former Congress MLA, said: “We encourage all games and sports, but some members, in the name of playing rummy or cards, gambled. Our records show that there were five guests for one member at the cards room.”
“We have added over a dozen games, including tennis, badminton, volleyball, a women’s recreation section, a state-of-the-art gym, jacuzzi, steam bath, sauna bath and spa. Those who say I have turned it into a madrassa should explain which madrassa has spa and steam bath facilities,” he said.
But Asif Farooqui, another member, said: “If they want to stop gambling, they should do it. But preventing members, especially sen-ior citizens, from playing cards is wrong.”
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/7GACHQUCNFADLJRTD7D2S4LY5Y.jpg?w=696&resize=696,0&ssl=1 "Letter: Don’t politicize religion")
Last night I watched in complete and total disdain as Sen. Mike Lee made the comparison between President Donald Trump and Captain Moroni. As an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who has major concerns and reservations regarding the current president of the United States, this felt very personal.
I felt that this was an incredibly manipulative tactic of using a book that is so precious and important to so many as a tool in gaining votes for President Trump. Even more offensive was the comparison of Captain Moroni to a man like Donald J. Trump. The two men could not be more different. Moroni was a man of character, faith and integrity. His name should never be used in conjunction with our current president’s unless it is to highlight the massive differences between them.
One of the foundations of our country is the separation of church and state. Mike Lee’s use of religion was wrong. I, like others, am also concerned about how this reflects on my religious views to the rest of the world. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a history of being misunderstood, and this adds to the confusion. Because of the senator’s remarks, those who have not read the Book of Mormon and are unfamiliar with Captain Moroni will make incorrect assumptions that could do damage to our integrity.
As I scanned social media to find others’ opinions, I was heartened to see many like-minded individuals who were commenting on Mike Lee’s Instagram and asking for a public apology. This is my intention in writing this letter. Sen. Lee, I am asking you to publicly apologize for your use of the Book of Mormon as a tactic to gather votes. I believe that we are all entitled to our opinions and beliefs in politics, but to bring religion into it, especially as a senator on the national stage, is inappropriate and offensive.
Aubrey Stewart, Springville
