THE  HINDU  [ India’s National Newspaper ]
Tuesday, November1, 2005

          Four lakh people take part in prayers at Swalath Nagar
Largest Muslim gathering outside Mecca and Madina in Ramzan Malappuram : A massive Ramzan congregation held here on Sunday night concluded with a fervent prayer for world peace. The prayer meet, organised by Ma’dinu Ssaquafathil Islamiyya at Swalath Nagar, near here, was rated the largest Muslim gathering outside Mecca and Medina in Ramzan. According to rough estimates, four-lakh people took part in the prayers. Over two-lakh food packets were distributed before the function began at 10.30 p.m., but they reached only a section of the crowds.

          There was no long sermon or speech during the four-and-a-half-hour prayers. During his 10-minute introductory remarks, Ma’din chairman Syed Ibrahim Khaleelul Bukhari called upon the crowds to make a peace deal with themselves as well as with the world. “Show mercy to your fellow beings; then, God will be merciful to you,” he said. “What we need is an extremism of love and not hatred and terror.” Tajul Ulama Syed Abdurahman Bukhari, president of the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, during his brief speech, asked the faithful not to be misled by the looks. “Unburden yourself of all kinds of evil thoughts and deeds, and cleanse your hearts. For God looks not at your looks, but into your hearts,” he said.

Packed with believers
          Extensive arrangements were made for the congregation, which marked the anniversary of swalath (a special prayer) held on Ma’din campus every month. Apart from the main venue, six other grounds were also packed with believers, who watched the proceedings on mega screens. Three of the grounds were exclusively for women. A large number of people from foreign countries, including those in the Gulf and Sri Lanka, took part in the prayers. The late-night prayers, anticipating the Lailathul Qadr, or the night of decree, about which the Koran has declared that it is better than a thousand months, included Swalatunnariyyath, Haddad Ratheeb, Tahleel and Touba. The prayers reached a crescendo when the crowds swung in spiritual ecstasy, chanting “there is no god but God” a thousand times. With trembling hands raised skywards and tears swelling in their eyes, the crowds sought forgiveness and mercy of Allah. Choruses of ‘Ameen’ rent the air as Mr. Bukhari uttered the words of contrition.

By 3 a.m., they were heading home, many of them carrying a battle of honey as a Tabarruk.
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The New Indian Express, Monday, 31 October 2005
          Believers should be promoters of peace, goodness and justice
-------------------- Interview with Sayyid Khaleelul Bukhari -------------
Islamic spirituality is capable of enabling human beings to face the challenges of the modern world. Our need is to emancipate those who are not given enough recognition and due respect in the mainstream society, so that religion can’t retract from rendering service to humanity. The Islamic society shouldn’t neglect the myriad problems faced by humanity such as families suffering from various ailments, and the resultant destruction in family ties it is fact that.

          Just as the colour of blood of every human being is similar, the minds and thoughts of each and every religion should be on the righteous path if it is so. All men could be able to live amicably, spreading the fragrance of love. Then only the peace and mental calmness of each and every man on this earth can be ensured.

          The 27th night of Ramzan is known for its importance. This is considered more important than thousands of months. It is on this night that the believers expect Laailathul Qudr. The importance of this swalath is that it is being organised on this day.

          The believers swarm this swalath Nagar in search of God’s love and for the atonement of their past sins. Tauba, Tahleel, Swalath, Dua-majlis are the main activities that will be held at the Swalath Nagar. The believers should be the proponents of peace, goodness and justice that they should attain the capacity to suppress anger and hate with the help of patience and love, is one of the main aims of the Swalath Ma’din, aimes to bring the sublime teachings of Islam to the masses. Islam says that men should be the guardians of the universe. He should be able to give justice to all the living beings on earth. He should ensure the safety of all such beings.

          The fundamental duties of men include justice, protection, development and honesty. Among this, only those who are capable of taking up protection in a good manner can build a virtuous society.