– Mohammed Talha Siddi Bapa
Harihar: In a significant effort to promote interfaith understanding and communal harmony, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) Harihar, in collaboration with Rabita Millat, hosted a meaningful Eid Milan cum Masjid Darshan programme at Masjid-e-Ali, Prashant Nagar. The event was attended by a broad cross-section of society, including religious scholars, civic leaders, elected representatives, and social activists.
Notable guests included former MLA S. Ramappa, Municipal Councillor and Chamber of Commerce President Shankar Khataukar, Municipal Councillor Ravana Siddappa, K.B. Rajshekhar, literary figure Chandrappa Holli Kattey, social worker Madhu Nidigal, local Congress leader H. Suresh, Murgeshappa, Congress leader Harish Nandigavi, and Christian social worker Aju. Their presence signified the inclusive spirit and broad support for the message of peace and coexistence.
The Friday sermon (Khutbah-e-Jumuah) was delivered in Kannada by Akbar Ali Udupi, Secretary of JIH Karnataka, who spoke eloquently o
n the life of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be to him), the meaning of sacrifice (Qurbani), and the universal lessons of submission, unity, and compassion found in Eid al-Adha.
“For the first time, many non-Muslim guests experienced the Friday prayer and understood the spiritual meaning of Eid al-Adha beyond rituals. It was heartening to see such keen interest and respectful engagement,” said one of the organisers.
Special seating was arranged for the 55 non-Muslim men and women who attended, and the programme concluded with the exchange of Eid greetings, ceremonial shawl presentations to dignitaries, and a warm Eid feast served inside the mosque.
Delivering a message of unity, Akbar Ali Udupi said, “We want an India where we can celebrate each other’s festivals with joy and mutual respect. We are all children of a single human pair – Adam and Hawwa – and servants of one Creator. Let us recognise this bond and build a future rooted in justice and compassion.”
Echoing this vision, S. Ramappa, former MLA, emphasised, “We must recognise that it is equality among us that helps us build a strong a
nd beautiful society. Carrying this message to every street and every neighbourhood is essential if we are to create a peaceful and prosperous future.”
He added, “We need a society free from hatred, oppression, and injustice. It is our shared responsibility – rooted in both our faith and our Constitution – to work together for the pleasure of God and the welfare of humanity.”
The Ameer Maqami (local president) of JIH Harihar expressed gratitude for the enthusiastic participation and remarked that this was the second such event in Harihar where non-Muslim citizens were invited to witness the Friday sermon.
“Given that the concept of sacrifice in Eid al-Adha is often misunderstood, it was important to direct
ly engage our fellow citizens and present the true spirit of this festival,” he said.
This initiative builds upon the success of previous Masjid Darshan programmes and reflects JIH’s broader mission to foster unity, clear misconceptions, and strengthen the moral and civic fabric of society.
Through events like these, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind continues its struggle for a just and harmonious India – one where communities understand one another, live peacefully together, and work collectively toward positive social change.