The “Sauhrda Vichara Vedi” (Goodwill Forum), which groups different religious organizations, intends to hold a variety of programs in the coming months to educate Muslim children from Kerala to teach their religion, said Ismail Maritheri, its general convener.

Speaking with Arab News, he emphasized the forum’s role in strengthening unity and solidarity among Muslims from the Indian state.

“We are trying our best to narrow the differences among the various Islamic groups by bringing them together around the table to discuss common issues.”

He said the forum would organize training programs for Islamic schoolteachers, conduct seminars on common issues and hold joint campaigns on the need to promote Muslim unity.

“It’s unfortunate to see the followers of the great religion of Islam stand disunited. It’s one of the greatest tragedies.”

The forum recently organized an impressive Qur’anic evening in Jeddah, which was instrumental in enlightening the audience on the importance of learning the Holy Book.

Dr. Khaled Bahaziq, a Saudi who holds double Ph.Ds in psychology was the keynote speaker.

Bahaziq said a strong faith in God would help people overcome any challenges.

“I am not afraid of death and I can challenge death because of my faith in Allah.”

He urged parents to set a good example for their children by loving and helping each other.

“This will have a big impact on their children.”

He said the reading of Qur’an by a woman during the time of pregnancy would influence her fetus. “We have seen a case at King Abdulaziz University (KAU) Hospital where a child stopped crying when it heard Qur’an recitation and then we discovered that its mother used to read the Qur’an during pregnancy.”

He said Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) had never beaten his children. “We should be friendly to our children. Your violent behavior might make your child violent during adolescent period,” he told parents.

Alungal Mohammed, CMD of Al-Abeer Medical Group, launched the event and stressed the need for Muslim groups to work together to protect their common interests and improve the community’s progress and prosperity.

Abdul Shukoor Ali, president of Thanima, emphasized the need to learn more about Islam and Qur’an through reading. “Knowledge is power and we should use every opportunity to learn new things, especially about Islam.”

Yousuf Farouqi of the Islahi Center urged the audience to establish strong bonds with the Qur’an, while Shaukat Ali of KAU, said: “Cell phones are a good medium to learn the Qur’an.”

Mustafa Saadi of the ICF commended the forum for bringing together different organizations. “We don’t know why we are divided. We should stand united under the banner of Islam.”