Calicut: In a significant address at the Markaz Khatmul Bukhari Graduation Conference held in Calicut, the Grand Mufti of India, Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad, said that no one should think that they can provoke or disappoint the Muslims and all the secular democrats of this country should be ready to stand by the legitimate rights of the Muslims. The conference, which saw the graduation of 478 Saquafi religious scholars, became a platform for discussing the resilience and challenges faced by Muslims worldwide.
Highlighting the spiritual resilience of the Muslim community, the Grand Mufti stated, "Muslims have faced numerous crises through history and have always emerged stronger by harnessing spiritual energy." He stressed that Islam's teachings encourage followers to view hardships as opportunities for spiritual growth, advocating for resolution through faith and prayer. He noted that Islam is a religion of peace and does not promote intimidation and anti-social discourses.
In his speech, the Grand Mufti also addressed the worship issue and the sanctity of religious sites. He remarked on the diligence with which Muslims establish their places of worship, ensuring they are free from injustice, reflecting the historical significance of sites like the Ka'aba and the Masjid al Aqsa.
The conference also took a firm stance against the encroachment on mosques, highlighting concerns over the Archaeological Survey of India's (ASI) excavation activities. The resolution passed called for the enforcement of the Protection of Places of Worship Act, criticizing the ASI for not adhering to the expected standards of historical research. The resolution demands that such excavations be declared illegal, viewing them as threats to India's internal freedom and the sanctity of religious sites.
The three-day event drew delegates and guests from across the globe, including the USA, the UK, and Malaysia, alongside thousands of attendees, underlining the global concern for the rights and freedoms of the Muslim community in India. The conference's resolutions and the Grand Mufti's messages underscore a call for peace, mutual respect, and legal protection for religious sites and practices.
