Bhatkal: Interfaith meeting highlights Prophet Muhammad’s message of humanity

Bhatkal, 18 October: (Bhatkallys News Bureau)  A meeting with members of other religious communities was held at Kokos Resort on Jali Road on Sunday as part of the Seerat campaign organised by Majlis-e-Islah wa Tanzeem. The meeting, titled ‘The Life of Prophet Muhammad and the Message of Humanity’, aimed to familiarise participants with the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad and promote mutual understanding, unity and communal harmony.

Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, Vartha Bharati Editor-in-Chief Abdussalam Puthige said Prophet Muhammad brought about a major transformation in society in just 23 years, a change he described as unparalleled in world history.

Referring to the early days of Islam in Makkah, Puthige said the Prophet’s teachings brought changes in people’s lives and thinking. He cited the example of people giving up alcohol after receiving a single instruction, saying the teachings helped develop a mindset that encouraged good deeds and rejection of harmful practices.

Expressing concern over the growing use of alcohol and other intoxicating substances, particularly among young people, he called for collective efforts to address these social problems, irrespective of religious differences.

Referring to conflicts and divisions during the pre-Islamic period, Puthige said the Prophet had worked to bring people together, resolve differences and establish peace. He urged all communities to follow a similar approach in addressing present-day social challenges.

Maulana Ilyas Nadwi stressed the need to promote communication and dialogue to remove misunderstandings between different communities. He encouraged members of other religious communities to organise similar programmes, particularly to address misconceptions among young people.

He said all communities should unite beyond religious differences to promote social welfare, maintain peace and protect human rights. Referring to the Prophet’s participation in the Hilf al-Fudul pact, which aimed to support the oppressed and uphold justice, he said people should work together in the same spirit to resolve common social problems.

Nadwi also cited Dr Chitraranjan and the Swamiji of Pejawar Math as examples of cordial relations between Muslims and non-Muslims in Bhatkal. He said Bhatkal had been unfairly portrayed in a negative light and observed that officials who initially arrived in the town with apprehensions often developed a very different perception by the time they left.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Girish S.V. also addressed the gathering, urging people from all communities to work together to achieve common goals and resolve social issues.

Presiding over the programme, Sadiq Pallur highlighted the importance of Hindu-Muslim unity and called for greater brotherhood, mutual understanding and harmony across the country.

CMC Commissioner Babasaheb Mane and Majlis-e-Islah wa Tanzeem General Secretary Maulana Azizur Rahman Ruknuddin Nadwi were also present on the dais.

The programme began with a recitation by Maulvi Hussain Jukaku. Advocate Imran Lanka delivered the welcome address, while Raza Manvi compered the event. The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks by Iqbal Suhail. Lunch was arranged for the participants after the programme.