Ramzan prayer meet calls for spiritual renewal, civic responsibility

Thousands of traditional Sunni Muslims gathered at Swalat Nagar on Monday night, taking part in overnight prayers in anticipation of Lailathul Qadr, or the Night of Decree, a night considered by Muslims to be more spiritually rewarding than a thousand months.

The participants spent the night seeking forgiveness from God and praying for peace in West Asia. “This could be the largest gathering against the war in West Asia,” said Khalid Melmuri, one of the programme’s conveners. Participants also took a pledge against drugs.

Groups of people began arriving at the expansive grounds of Madin Academy, the host of the event, starting Monday morning. Throughout the day, various spiritual programmes were held at the Madin Grand Mosque.

Tharaveeh prayers in progress at Madin Grand Masjid, Malappuram, on Monday.
| Photo Credit:
SAKEER HUSSAIN

Thousands participated in a grand Iftar on the academy grounds, which was followed by a series of prayers. The main programme began at 9 p.m., starting with a prayer led by Syed Ali Bafaqi Thangal, vice president of Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama (AP).

Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliar, general secretary of All India Jamiyyathul Ulama, inaugurated the function. E. Sulaiman Musliar, president of Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, presided.

Syed Ibrahim Khaleel Bukhari, Madin Academy Chairman, administered the pledge against drugs and led the midnight prayers.

Addressing the assembly, Mr. Bukhari urged participants to reclaim their spiritual responsibility, noting that the world was facing the repercussions of a widespread spiritual crisis.

“Justice is the foundation of peace,” he said. “Remaining silent in the face of injustice is a moral failure. Only when we resolve the small battles within our own spheres of influence can the larger conflicts be brought to an end.”

He also stressed the importance of fairness in elections. “Even after the elections, we will continue to live together as a community. Election campaigns must be conducted with mutual respect and integrity. Debate ideas and programmes, but never adopt methods that create enmity within society,” he said.

“Voting is not merely a right; it is a trust,” Mr. Bukhari added. “It carries the profound responsibility of shaping society’s future and guiding the direction of the nation. Every citizen must exercise this right thoughtfully and responsibly.”

Elaborate arrangements were made for the smooth conduct of the event. A volunteer corps of 5,555 members managed the crowds and supported the police throughout the gathering.