The Goodwill Forum (Sauhrda Vedi) for Muslim groups in Jeddah hailing from the Indian state of Kerala intends to spread its message of unity to other Saudi cities, as well as Gulf countries. They are to work together for the welfare and progress of the community, its general convener Ismail Maritheri has said.

“This initiative aims at deepening the spirit of Muslim unity,” said Maritheri, who is an English lecturer at King Abdulaziz University.

“Muslim groups can achieve many milestones for the benefit of the community and we hope that Keralite Muslims in Jeddah and in India will lend their support to strengthen this forum,” the coordinator said.

M. V. Saleem, its president, said the forum was instrumental in organizing a number of Islamic lectures on important topics. “We will hold a Haj seminar at 9 p.m. on Sept. 27 at the Jaliyat Auditorium in the old airport with the participation of scholars representing various groups,” he said.

“Islam calls for the unity and solidarity of its followers, but unfortunately, Muslims are divided into different groups and they fight with one another, ignoring the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah,” he added.

“This is the first time in the history of Jeddah that six Keralite Muslim organizations have set up such a forum to work together,” said Abdul Shukoor Ali of Kerala Islamic Group (KIG).

V. P. Abubacker of Jeddah Islahi Center said the seminar would discuss topics such as the spirit of Haj and its universal message. “We will try to ensure participation of Islamic scholars who have come from Kerala for Haj this year at the seminar,” he said.

Salah Karadan of Indian Islahi Center said the forum would provide guidance to youth and help them excel in their education and career. “This forum will certainly help spread the message of Islam among Muslims, as well as non-Muslims, and try to eradicate unIslamic practices among the community,” he told Arab News.

Mohammed T.H. Darimi of Jeddah Islamic Center said the forum would be utilized for exchange of Islamic knowledge and improving relations between the various groups. “We have plans to reach its message to the grass root level,” he said, adding that most people have welcomed the forum.

Abdurabb Chemmad of the Islamic Cultural Forum extended support to the organization. “Groups should respect one another and avoid controversial issues to strengthen the organization,” he said.

Ibrahim Chemnad, media coordinator, said the forum would discuss common issues facing Muslims.