Please let us live, urges UAE-based Indian youth accused of ‘love jihad’

Abu Dhabi - Rasheed claimed that Aisha's parents, also from Kerala, have filed a criminal case against him in Abu Dhabi.

 An Indian Muslim in Abu Dhabi, who is accused of 'kidnapping' after his 19-year old Christian girlfriend flew to Abu Dhabi and converted to Islam, has claimed that he is being threatened by her parents.
"I fear for my life. Her parents have threatened to 'deal with me' once I go back to India," 27-year-old Mehmood Rasheed from the Kasargod district of Kerala, told Khaleej Times in an exclusive interview.
The parents of 19-year-old Ciyanni Benny, who changed her name to Aisha, have followed their daughter to Abu Dhabi alleging that their daughter could be a victim of 'love jihad' - the alleged practice of Muslim men romantically wooing women from other religions and converting them to Islam.
But Aisha has openly professed her love for Rasheed and said she came to the UAE on her own will. Rasheed claimed that Aisha's parents, also from Kerala, have filed a criminal case against him in Abu Dhabi.
"The police took both of our statements on Tuesday. I have told the police that my life is under threat," said Rasheed.
The love story between Rasheed, who is a worker in a café in Abu Dhabi and Aisha, a final year under-graduate student at the Jesus and Mary College in Delhi, has sparked a controversy in India, after she flew to the UAE in September and converted to Islam. Her parents filed a complaint and the issue was taken up by the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) of India.
She had a fake Muslim profile
Rubbishing the 'love jihad' accusation, Rasheed said that he met the girl through her fake social media profile under the name Aisha. "Initially, I did not even know her real name. I chatted with her under the impression that she is Aisha," Rasheed told Khaleej Times.
"When she finally revealed her true identity, that was not going to change our nine-month long relationship. On my side, I have openly told her everything about me, including my work and my educational background."
According to him, Aisha was interested in Islam long before meeting him. "She used to ask me doubts about the Holy Quran and the teachings of Islam and I used to tell her whatever I know. But the moment she told me that she wants to come to Abu Dhabi, I dissuaded her and asked her to think again."
Rasheed said Aisha felt it would be unsafe to convert in India. "I can tell you that I have never forced her or even influenced her in any way. I did help her by sending a visit visa and ticket to Abu Dhabi when she insisted about coming here." Rasheed added he has arranged an accommodation for Aisha and is well taken care of.
"She has already met her parents a few times. I only insist that the meeting takes place in my presence. If anything happens to her now, it is my responsibility. So, I am being careful."
Rasheed said they are planning to get married soon and want to live in peace. "That is our request to everyone. Please leave us alone and let us live."
anjana@khaleejtimes.com
 

• Abu Dhabi