Hyderabad Muslims reschedule Milad-un-Nabi to ensure peace on Ganesh immersion day

Hyderabad: In a fine example of walking the talk, Muslims in Hyderabad have decided to hold the Milad-un-Nabi celebrations at an earlier date so that it wouldn’t coincide with the Ganesh idols immersion programme scheduled for September 28.

The Muslim organisations have decided to advance the annual birthday celebrations of Prophet Muhammad to September 24 in a remarkable display of unity and communal harmony. The 74th Milad-un-Nabi programme will be held at Exhibition Grounds, Nampally in Hyderabad.

“We don’t want any untoward incident to take place since massive processions will be taken out on that day. In order to ensure peace, we have resolved to advance the annual Milad programme,” said Muhammad Ziauddin Nayyar, president of Majlis Tamir-e-Millat.

Making the announcement, he informed the media on Friday that the idea behind Milad-un-Nabi is to foster love and brotherhood among all sections of society. “We will be failing in our duty if anything goes wrong. Therefore, we have chosen to reschedule our programme to avoid potential conflicts during the day when huge processions are expected,” he said.

This decision, Muhammad Ziauddin Nayyar said, would exemplify the spirit of unity and coexistence that has been a hallmark of Hyderabad. He further urged the Muslim community, particularly the youth, to maintain peace at all costs since the teachings of the Prophet of Islam were meant to promote love and harmony.

Setting an example of peace and harmony

By altering their plans to accommodate a significant religious event of the Hindu community, Muslims want to set a precedent that encourages mutual respect and understanding, said Dr Abdul Qadeer, chairman of the Shaheen Group of educational institutions.

Every year eminent religious scholars from different parts of the country attended the programme to spread the timeless message of peace, compassion and unity that Prophet Muhammad had shared with the world centuries ago.

Over the years, the Youme Rahmatul-lil-Alameen programme has been keenly looked forward to by the Muslim community as it serves as a beacon of hope in a world divided by differences. The programme was launched 74 years ago by distinguished persons such as Maulana Syed Khaleelullah Hussaini and his associates, Mazhar Quadri, Maulana Raheem Quraishi and Sulaiman Sikandar with the noble objective of carrying forward the torch of prophetic teachings passed on to them so that Muslims can coexist in dignity with all other communities.

Scholars to discuss sacred teachings

During the Milad-un-Nabi celebrations, eminent scholars like Maulana Obaidullah Khan Azmi, former MP, Maulana Mehdi Hassan Aini Qasmi, director of India Islamic Academy, Deoband, Mufti Khaleel Ahmed of Jamia Nizamia and Dr Ahsan bin Mohammad Al Hamoomi, Khateeb, Shahi Masjid and others will shed light on the prophetic message that the Prophet’s teachings are not confined to any single community but are a gift to the entire humanity.

A souvenir will be released on the occasion and prizes will be distributed among winners of quiz and elocution competitions organised for school and college students. On October 21, a public meeting is being planned at Chanchalguda Junior College grounds to mark the Youme Sahaba (Prophet’s Companions Day).