Uniting Against Hate: State-level summit by Muslim groups in Hyderabad on March 3

Hyderabad: Prominent Muslim religious and social organisations have decided to conduct a day-long Telangana State-level Muslim Convention on March 3 in Hyderabad to discuss the current challenges faced by the community in the country, including Telangana.

The decision was taken in a meeting attended by representatives of Tahreek Muslim Shabban, Jamiat-e-Ahle Hadees, Shariah Faisla Board, MPJ, WPI, Wahdat Islami, Shia Council, All India Seerat Committee, and other prominent organisations.

Responsibility of organisations to fight communal disharmony

In the meeting chaired by Tahreek Muslim Shabban president Mohammed Mushtaq Mallik, Muslim leaders expressed serious concern over the attack on religious identity, culture, and heritage. They felt that the strategy of ‘wait and watch’ would not protect the community’s interests. Therefore, all organisations must fight the challenges legally by exploring all options provided by the Constitution of India.

Further, it was decided to create awareness among the people, especially Muslims, on defeating the communal forces trying to create an atmosphere of hatred within the country.

Constitution-based solutions

In the meeting, it was decided that, regarding the Gyanvapi Jamia Masjid case, the Places of Worship Act, 1991 would be made the sole basis. Muslims will not accept any decision made based on distorted history or faith. Further, the Muslim community will reject any legislation that clashes with Shariah. Similarly, the Muslim community would not tolerate anything aimed at attacking mosques, Madarsas, or Shariah.

Mushtaq Mallik informed that the proposed convention would be attended by Ulemas, Mashaiqeen, social activists, Imams, and Khateebs from across Telangana State. Resolutions will be passed on important issues. Leaders of mainstream secular political parties will also be invited to the concluding session, where they will be briefed about the resolutions with the expectation that they support them.

Silence of mainstream media

He expressed shock over the silence of mainstream parties on the demolition of the 600-year-old Mahroli Mosque in Delhi, Masjid-e-Ghafoor, and Mariam Madarsa in Haldoni, Uttarakhand, and the handing over of land belonging to a Dargah in Baghpat to a temple. He said if mainstream parties stopped condemning such demolitions, this trend would pick up, and no mosque or Madarsa would be safe from communal forces.

Mushtaq Mallik said that the Telangana Muslim Convention would be attended by leaders belonging to all sects and schools of thought.