Patna, July 19 (IANS): The central government is trying to influence Muslim personal law, a senior leader of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) said on Sunday.

Maulana Wali Rahmani, the Board's working general secretary, accused the government of taking steps that amounted to interfering with Muslim personal law.

This, he said, was "a matter of serious concern".

"We have to keep a close watch over this situation," he said. "In Islam, issues related to marriage, divorce and property are dealt through personal law.

"But in recent times, the way the central government has initiated some measures, an attempt is being made to affect or influence Muslim personal law," Rahmani said.

He urged Muslims to follow the directives of the Board.

Rahmani said that last month he wrote to Muslim groups and individuals demanding constant vigilance against what he said were attacks on Islam's teachings.

"Muslims should always remain cautious as there are organisations that are attacking Islamic beliefs and trying to impose Brahmin dharma on them," he said.

Yoga, Surya Namaskar and Vedic culture were part of "Brahmin dharma" and "totally against Islamic beliefs", he said.