Hyderabad: Ulama from various schools of thought have condemned the recent act of vandalism by a man at a temple in Secunderabad.
At a joint press conference, they condemned the incident and termed it an act to disrupt peace and communal harmony. Stating that Islam does not permit any such act, the Islamic scholars called for punishing the guilty in accordance with the law of the land.
Maulana Ahsan Al Hamoomi, Imam and Khateeb of Shahi Masjid, Bagh-e-Aam, said a ‘fanatic’ and a ‘silly’ man damaged idol in the temple. He said damaging places of worship of other religions go against the teachings of Islam.
“We don’t condone such an act and believe that whoever indulges in such acts should be dealt with by the law. We stand by those whose sentiments are hurt by this act of vandalism,” he said.
He mentioned that though the person who resorted to vandalism was beaten up and admitted to hospital, his own family members have not come to meet him or make any request to the police.
Maulana said maintaining peace and harmony is the responsibility of all communities. He called to isolate such miscreants and hand them over to the police.
Maulana Ghayas Ahmed Rashadi of Safa Baitul Maal said that protecting sanctity of the places of worship of all communities is the responsibility of Indians. He said Islam or no other religion allows damaging places of worship of other faiths.
“It was an action of an individual. It has nothing to do with the Muslim community,” he said.
Maulana Mufti Mehmood Zubair Qasmi, General Secretary, Jamiatul Ulama, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh said some miscreants were using the incident to vitiate the peaceful atmosphere in the city and the state. They are trying to mislead Hindu brethren that Muslims are happy over the incident. “This is not true. Muslims are strongly condemning this incident,” he said.
Citing the Holy Quran, he said Muslims have been asked not to abuse the deities of other religions.
Jamiatul Ulama has long been demanding that to maintain peace and harmony in society, the government should ban statements against any religion or religious personalities. A legislation should be made to deal strongly with those insulting religions and religious personalities.
Telangana State Haj Committee Chairman Maulana Khusro Pasha Afzal Biabani also condemned the act of vandalism at Muthyalamma Temple.
Maulana Hassan Farooqi of Sunni Dawat-e-Islami said the action of the man, who claims to be a Muslim, is highly condemnable. He said it was regrettable that the incident hurt the sentiments of the majority community. He prayed for peace and communal harmony in the state.
A youth hailing from Mumbai had barged into Muthyalamma Temple in Secunderabad on October 14 and damaged the main idol. Local people caught hold of him and roughed him up. He was handed over to police.
According to police, Salman Salim Thakur alias Salman who barged into the temple and damaged the idol came to Hyderabad from Mumbai early this month. The 30-year-old was attending a personality development workshop, which was organised by English House Academy at Hotel Metropolis, Regimental Bazar, Secunderabad.
