Hyderabad: Masjid-e-Azizia counters hate with message of harmony

Hyderabad: Giving out the message of peace and love amid the current climate of hatred, a programme titled ‘Visit the Masjid and Eid Milap was organised at the Masjid-E-Azizia in Mehdipatnam on Sunday afternoon.

The programme, organised by Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (Nampally unit) and the Students Islamic Organisation of India (SIO)-Central Division (Hyderabad), aimed at strengthening relations among communities, and erasing misconceptions related to mosques.

The programme was a huge success with over 120 women and men belonging to various faiths and age groups converging and completely immersed in understanding Islamic practices and rituals.

The participants were explained the few basic tenets of Islam and rituals. The volunteers threw light on wuzu (ablutions performed before namaz), significance of azan (call for prayer), and the direction that one faces during namaz.

The volunteers also elucidated basic tenets of Islam with the help of flexi banners in both Telugu and English.

Disclosing the objective behind organising the programme, President of the SIO-Central Division, Syed Mukhtar Ahmed said it aimed at spreading the true message of Islam and bridging the gaps between communities.

The Hindu quoted Mr Ahmed as saying, “We wanted people to know what happens in masjids and the rituals performed, given how some rumours seem to suggest that hate activities are held here. We wanted to clarify that mosques are not only places for worship; they can be used for community service such as Second Opinion Clinic which is held here in the cellar. We have a credit society where small loans are given without interest. A library too is available.” Masjid-E-Azizia president Aijaz Mohiuddin Wasim spoke about people of Hindu community who stood by them during times of distress, and also touched upon the significance of hijab.