Imam of the Grand Mosque of Mecca to convey message of world peace and love from Patna’s Gandhi Maidan

PATNA: More than 100,000 Muslims will offer special namaz (Friday prayers) at the sprawling Patna’s Gandhi Maidan on April 1 in the presence of Sheikh Saleh Aal Talib, the Imam of the grand mosque of Mecca. This is the first time the Imam of Masjid al-Haram of Kaaba in Mecca is visiting Bihar for which massive security arrangements are being made.

Authorities entrusted with the task of hosting this function said the Imam would also address a “peace conference” on this occasion to convey a message of “world peace, prosperity and happiness”. The one-day function assumes much significance given the fact that the one of world’s biggest religions has come under cloud owing to terrorists linking themselves with this religion.

“The image of Islam and Muslims is being maligned by connecting them to terrorism and the conference is aimed at highlighting the true meaning and vision of Islam which is to spread love and save humanity. It doesn’t endorse violence or terrorism in any form,” said Motiur Rehman, chairman of Tauhid Educational Trust which is organising the function.

The prime objective of the Imam of Kaaba’s visit, he added, is to convey the message that “without love for nation and patriotism, one will never be a true Muslim”. A host of religious leaders from Muslim community will also speak at the conference even as the organizers have also invited RJD president Lalu Prasad and chief minister Nitish Kumar among other leaders to attend the function.

However, a former MP Ejaj Ali has questioned the organizers’ move to host prayers at this odd time. “There is no meaning in hosting Friday prayers at this time when such prayers are held on a bigger scale twice in a year during Eid,” asked Ali, suggesting the organizers to better convince the Sheikhs of Arab to set up industries or open educational institutes in the state.

Meanwhile, the local administration has gone on high alert in view of the huge congregation of the Muslims for this function and is making massive security arrangements for this occasion. Yesterday, the Patna DIG Shalin held a meeting with senior police officials and reviewed security arrangements for this meet.