JEDDAH: Indian Muslims should unite and fight against terrorism, a prominent Islamic scholar from Kerala told Arab News during a recent visit to Saudi Arabia.
“The only way to wage a war against terrorism is through unity,” said All India Jamiyyathul Ulema Secretary, Sheikh Aboobacker Ahmed alias Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliyar.
He welcomed the recent interfaith dialogue initiated by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and termed it “a good step at a time when Islam was widely misunderstood by followers of other religions.” “The move will go a long way toward forging an understanding among different religions,” Sheikh Aboobacker said.
“The enemies of Islam portray the religion as one of terror and killing. But it should be effectively disseminated that Islam is against terrorism, injustice and killing,” he said. Sheikh Aboobacker recalled the Prophet’s declaration on the day of Hajjatul Wida that killing innocents and usurping others’ wealth are forbidden acts.
Sheikh Aboobacker was among those who attended an interfaith dialogue hosted by Qatar recently.
He said terrorism had become the most important issue facing the country and so a special session will be held on this issue in the upcoming 33rd anniversary celebrations of Markazu Ssaqafathi Ssunniyah.
Markazu, Sheikh Aboobacker said, plays a major role in imparting moral education to the society. He pointed out that about 300 Kashmiri students who are the victims of terrorism are now studying in Markazu and in its affiliated institutions. They will return to Kashmir after their education with the message of love, brotherhood and patriotism.
Markazu is celebrating its 33rd anniversary for three days from Jan. 16, when its achievements in socio-cultural fields in the last three decades will be reviewed and plans for the future chalked out.
The anniversary program will include an international Islamic conference, a seminar on economy, an all-India students' conference, a health camp, a mass-marriage function for the poor, a meeting of expatriates, an educational conference and a cultural meeting. Prominent Islamic scholars and leaders from different parts of the world will attend the function, Sheikh Aboobacker said.
According to him, a global educational city under this institution will be founded in Kozhikode to mark the anniversary. The present villages for students belonging to India and other countries including Canada, Fiji, Singapore, South America, South Africa and Sri Lanka will take the shape of a global educational city. "This change will enable the foreigners to study Islam and other subjects," he added.
Sheikh Aboobacker said that many institutions offering primary education are functioning under Markazu in socially and educationally backward places like Rajkot in Gujarat; Bangalore, Hubli, Mysore and Bijapur in Karnataka; Nilgiris and Chennai in Tamil Nadu; and in places across Maharashtra, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Kashmir.
Markazu has introduced a new program called "Orphan Care" in which 1,000 orphans from 3 to 11 years old are fully sponsored, Sheikh Aboobacker said. Its anniversary plans also include induction of 1,000 new orphans and provision of 313 wells in various parts of Kerala.
He said at present about 10,000 students are studying in Markazu's various institutions including Shariah colleges with their recognition from Al-Azhar University of Cairo, as well as orphanages, English medium schools, a Qur'an college, a vocational training center, higher secondary schools for boys and girls, Markaz Institute of Science and Technology, Institute of Human Resource Activation and Management, Islamic research center, and a technical institute.
A modern hospital with all facilities in Poonoor is working under Markazu, which mainly serves the low-income people.
According to Sheikh Aboobacker, Markazu spends more than 9 lakhs Indian rupees on its monthly activities. The money is raised through generous donations from the society.
Meanwhile, Sheikh Aboobacker was awarded the first Islamic heritage award in New Delhi on Dec. 29. The award has been given to Aboobacker in recognition of his contribution to the Islamic thought and service for Muslims.
The award — comprising Rs25 lakhs and a memento — was presented by Union Minister for Parliamentary and Overseas Affairs Vayalar Ravi.
From the prize money, Sheikh Aboobacker donated Rs2 lakhs to the families of the police officers killed in Mumbai terror attacks.
