THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Half a million believers from across Kerala and the neighboring states gathered for overnight prayers Wednesday in Malappuram district and took the pledge against terrorism. They also offered special prayers for world peace.
The congregation takes place on the 27th night of Ramadan every year and this year it had special significance since it coincided with India's Independence Day.
The programs began Wednesday morning with Hadith class at the Grand Mosque on the Ma'din Academy campus where its chairman Syed Ibrahimul Khaleelul Bhukhari unfurled the national flag. It was followed by 'School of Qur'an', 'A'lamu Sswalath Majlis' and 'Asma'ul Badriyeen Majlis'.
"Believers, estimated to be more than half a million, have gathered on seven different grounds, where huge screens exhibited the proceedings at the main venue. We distributed at least 350,000 food packets," said Ummer Melmuri, a spokesman for organizers.
Television channels telecast live the culmination of the prayer meet, which began after the Tharaweeh prayers, and ended at around 3 a.m. with taking of the pledge.
The meeting also witnessed the launch of the Ma'din De-addiction Centre, Manuscript Foundation and Timeline, its house journal in English.
