A memento being presented to the Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs H E Dr Ghaith bin Mubarak Al Kuwari by Indian Islamic Association Acting President V T Faisal.
More than 5,000 expatriates from the southern Indian state of Kerala attended a massive public gathering held here on Friday which sent a peaceful message against attempts to defile Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) through offensive films and caricatures.
The Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs H E Dr Ghaith bin Mubarak AlKuwari opened the conference that brought together representatives of various Indian expatriate organizations.
The event at Omar bin Khatab Educational Complex in Al Sadd was organised by the Indian Islamic Association Qatar under the patronage of Fanar (Islamic Cultural Centre) and the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs.
Speakers called on Muslims to protest against the hate campaign against the Prophet (PBUH) through peaceful and constructive ways by highlighting the contemporary relevance of the Prophets’ message.
They said the vicious propaganda was part of a conspiracy to provoke Muslims to violence and tarnish the image of Islam, while the peaceful Arab revolutions have shattered many stereotyped notions about the religion and its followers.
“No one can degrade or defame the great personality Prophet Mohammed (PBUH), who was a guide and saviour of humanity,” said Mohammed Mahmoud Al Mahmoud, the Director of Religious Affairs in his key note address.
Dr Ali Mohammadi, who represented Dr Sheikh Yousuf Al Qaradawi, President of the International Union of Muslim Scholars said that the organizers of this event shared the view point of the Union in promoting the great personality of the Prophet.
“I don’t agree with the theory that defaming great personalities can be tolerated under the pretext of freedom of expression,” said P Surendran, a well-known writer and social activist from Kerala, in his speech that touched on the humanistic and ecological relevance of the Prophet’s message in the present world.
K N Sulaiman Madani, President, Indian Islahi Centre, Qatar and P Mujeeb Rahman, General Secretary of Jamaate Islami, Kerala also spoke highlighting the glorious aspects of the Prophet’s message and personality.
Felicitation speeches were given by Khalid Ahmed Fakhroo, Qatar Charity, Jassim Jabor Al Kuwaitir, renowned Qatari columnist, K M Varghess, Chairman, ICC advisory council, Kareem Abdulla, President, ICBF, P S H Thangal, President, KMCC, Joppachan Thekkekoot, President, Incas, P N Baburaj, General-Secretary, Samskriti, K T Faisal, President, Qatar Muslim Islahi Centre, Abu Backer Al Qasimi, Islamic Cultural Centre, and M A Sajidurahman, President, Youth Forum. Programme General Convenor, Abdul Razaq Mohammed welcomed the guests and co-ordinator, K P Nooruddin, proposed vote of thanks.
The Peninsula
