JEDDAH: The president of Indian Jamaat-e-Islami in Kerala, T. Arifali, has denounced the ruling LDF government’s move to promote atheism through educational reforms in Kerala, saying the state’s people would reject the move. Addressing a reception at Lucky Darbar Auditorium, which was attended by leaders of various organizations, Arifali said the move was unexpected from a government that had come to power by receiving votes from religious parties.

He was referring to the controversial Class VII Social Studies textbook that drew statewide protests from opposition and Muslim parties for attempting to promote atheism.

“This is a useless exercise because nobody will be able to remove faith and beliefs,” he said, pointing to the revival of Islam in many Communist countries.

The Jamaat leader commended Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah for organizing an interfaith dialogue in the Spanish capital Madrid. “By organizing the Madrid conference, King Abdullah has upheld the prestige of Islam.”

He called on Muslims to represent Islam in its true form. “This will play a big role in removing misunderstandings about Islam,” he added. Arifali, who is a member of Jamaat’s all-India advisory council, said Muslims should stand for the rights and welfare of other communities inspired by the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah.

He said Muslims should work for the promotion of virtue and prevention of vice. “It’s a shame for Muslims to see members of the community engaged in vicious activities,” he said. “We are a nation with a mission,” Arifali reminded Muslims and urged them to play a leading role in efforts to eradicate poverty and fight crimes. “Islam welcomes pluralism and respects other faiths and communities,” he added.

Arifali also criticized the Manmohan Singh’s government for deciding to sign a nuclear pact with the United States. “Our demand was that the terms of the 123 agreement with the US should be presented to the Parliament before signing it,” he said. He feared that the accord would undermine India’s sovereignty and endanger its nuclear program.

The Jamaat president praised expatriates for their tremendous contribution toward strengthening the Indian economy and urged the central and state governments to reciprocate by doing more for the welfare of NRIs and protect their rights.

K.K. Abdullah welcomed the guests while Jamal Muhiyuddin Alwaye presided over the function.