By Sarfaraz Ahmed
Nagpur: “Before discussing anything, we must comprehend it thoroughly. The better our understanding, the more precisely we can converse or establish an impression about it,” said Tejal, a woman invitee during the mosque introduction programme organised by Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) at Sadar Jama Masjid on Sunday.
A contingent of 25 invitees, including delegates from the Philippines, Indonesia, Timor, Myanmar, and Nepal, were welcomed at the historic Jama Masjid, where English professor Mohammad Ayub Khan explained about azan, namaaz, and kalma, and the purpose of offering prayers five times daily.
For the men and women from different faiths, this was their first visit to a masjid, and they were happy to learn about Islamic practices and their meanings. This was the second time members of other faiths were welcomed inside the 125-year-old Jama Masjid in a bid to clear doubts about Islam.
Kapil, an invitee, remarked it was an enlightening experience as he was entering a masjid for the first time. “These prayers actually assist us in overcoming our weaknesses. God and gurus have taught us to live a life of harmony and brotherhood,” he said.
Rasna Rawal, employed with Google in the US, mentioned she used to recite the kalma during her school days but was unaware of its meaning. “Religion is merely a vehicle to live in a better way,” she said.
Nitin Ganvir, auditor at Indora Buddha Vihar, observed such initiatives are a stride towards peace. “We have Panchsheel, you have Quran and five times namaaz. The ultimate goal is peace,” he said.
Khan, also a JIH member, informed the delegates that the purpose of namaaz was self-purification and the realisation that universal brotherhood supersedes all. He elaborated the concept of waduh and repetition of each line in azaan. “Namaz is submission of your anger, pride, hatred, ego, arrogance, evil thoughts. Offering it five times serves as a reminder that Allah is the most powerful,” he said.
Chartered accountant TS Rawal, coordinating a two-month peace conclave, said that the India Peace Centre delegates also visited Hanuman Mandir in Telangkhedi and Gurudwara on Kamptee Road before arriving at the masjid. Their experiences would enable them to disseminate the message globally as peace ambassadors he said.
According to him: “Many misconceptions have become entrenched in people’s minds, causing estrangement. When endeavours are made to dispel these misconceptions through interaction, they begin to dissolve, fostering love. We should understand religious equality,” adding that every religion has its distinct approach, and connecting with them is vital.
Hafiz Mumtazuddin Maulvi recited the ‘azaan’, followed by namaaz demonstration by 10-year-old Abdullah Abdul Mukeet, a student of Madinatul Uloom Madrasa, who is memorising the Holy Quran.
“Due to its location in the market, the mosque functions as a water distribution centre during summer. People from all communities gather here to collect water. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the mosque distributed food and oxygen cylinders without charge. There are no restrictions on using the facilities. During Ramzan, the mosque committee arranges iftar throughout the month, with over 250 fasting individuals breaking their fast on any day,” said JIH media secretary, Dr MA Rasheed.
– The Times of Ind
