Sayyid Anwer Ibrahim | KMNN

BANGALORE: July 28, 2011. A day-long public meeting was held here at Idgah Hazrath Khuddus Sahib, Haj Camp on23rd July. Held under the aegis of Sada-e-Ittihaad (Voice of unity) it aimed at promoting “unity of all sects of Muslims.”

Hakimul Millat Ameer-e-Shariath Mufti Muhammad Ashraf Ali Baqavi in his presidential address said, “About 50-60 years ago Muslims commanded lot of respect from Hindus and others but now things have changed. We are developing in the religious aspects like Haj and Namaz etc. there is increase in number of Masjids and Madrasas too. But we need to develop mutual love. As Maulana Abid Khundmiri Sahib said, no Hadith of the Prophet (S) is weak, but our links and interpretation are weak. The Sahaba had differences too, but no one criticized the other. We have no right to criticize others Aqeeda or Maslak.” Inviting all too comply with the three point formula of the Sada-e-Ittihad, the Mufti Sahib said, “Follow these three points and experiment the great benefits of unity. With unity, your status will be raised.”

Sada-e-Ittihaad Vice president and Ameer-e-Jamaath Mahdavia Shamsul Ulama Allama Syed Meeranji Abid Khundmiri said, “We drive inspiration from the life of Prophet Muhammad (S) who had held talks with those who were totally different in all respects. We also—keeping intact our own faith, beliefs, and Maslaks—should join hands to forge unity as one Ummah on the basis of Kalima-oneness of God and the finality of Prophethood (Khatm-e-Risalath). There can not be any compromise on these issues and on our faith as Mehdavis. The many sects (Firqa and Maslak) are different flowers in the garden of Islam. Their differentiation is beatifying the Ummah. Follow your own sect and Maslakbut join hands with those people who have been Blessed by Allah. The interpretation of the Quran may vary but it opens the door to more understanding of issues (Masayal). No Hadith of Khatimul Mursaleen Rasool-e-Kareem (S) is weak, only the reporting or the interpretation may be weak.”

He said, “We are targeted and tortured by ‘others’ because we are divided in so many lots. I warn you that unless you—strengthening the foundation of your belief and sect—unite as one Ummah this (torture by others) will continue. The unity demands tolerance and respect for other sects. Refrain from widening the divide by criticizing different sects. I assure you that from Mehdavia sect we do not intend to indulge in debating (Munazira) with other Ulama and will never criticize other’s beliefs and sects. Unless we are united our voice will not have effect on government or others. The issues like Geetha Abhiyan (its teaching in schools) should be fought with unity.”

Shia Scholar Moulvi Syed Adil Raza said, “It is the Ulama who have been striving for the unity of Ummah all over the world all the time. The present day demands that all Muslims should unite in the light of the Quran that says ‘holdfast to Allah’ and do not divide yourselves.” Referring to Allama Abid Khundmiri’s appeal he said, “Allama Abid Khundmiri has rightly said that there is no need of changing ones Aqeeda and Maslak (belief and sect) but unity is the need of the hour. If we are united we will enter the Jannah (paradise) if we criticize each other we will go to Jahanam (Hell). All that which divides is not Islam all that which unites is Islam.”

Sunni Scholar Syed Tajuddin Baba, Chisti Qadri, Khateeb Masjid Gumbad Bangalore said, “If united you will become true Muslim (Momin and Gaazi) if you are divided you will be killed in installments.” On the small strength participating he said, “If there was any sectarian functions the place here would have been packed but majority are not concerned for unity of Ummah. We should be thankful to Allama Abid Khundmiri as he has advised his sect (Mehdavia) to strengthen the cause of unity. More than half of today’s audience consists of Mehdavis here. Almost all of the people from a particular sect are absent. Here is the proof, who wants unity and who does not want it.”

Ahle Hadith Scholar Moulvi Muhammad Ejaz Ahmad Nadvi said, “Unity is needed and it comes from the Taqwa (piety) and fear of Allah. We are responsible for the divide, we should unite on the basis of Shariah, the Quran, and the Sunnah.”

Mr. Syed Zameer Pasha, IAS, principal secretary of the department of minority welfare said, “Discrimination and differences are not confined within community or Wakfs it have infected within the beurocracy too. When all Muslims have faith on Allah, the Quran and the Prophet, then why and what differences?” He said, “During my 34 years of government service I have enjoyed support from people of all castes, and there is not a single complaint petition from other minorities like Christians and Buddhists. This public meeting is the first step towards unity. Islam needs quality, not quantity. You can bring about a revolution in the whole country and serve the humanity.”

Shamsul Ulama Mufti Syed Shah Hasan Muhammad Shamsul Haq Al Hasani wal Hussaini said, “Keeping our Aqeedaand Maslak, we should unite as Muslims. If a bird or animal is killed there will be protests and court cases to safeguard the ‘national bird or animal’ but if Muslims are massacred there is no action! If two Christian Missionaries are killed in India, there is a storm in the whole world; even the silent remaining Pope opens his mouth to protest! In our case, there are 57 governments run by Muslims but not a single one can be called as Islamic government. We must become practical Muslims. Learn and practice Sunnah from Khankha and Mashed.”