Muslims Should Play a Strong Daie Role in Conveying Islam’s Message to the People of Maharashtra: Maulana Ilyas Khan Falahi
Mumbai: The Ameer (President) of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Maharashtra, Maulana Ilyas Khan Falahi, extended greetings to Muslims and fellow countrymen on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr. He emphasised that Eid is not only a festival of joy but also a harbinger of peace and love. Eid is celebrated to mark the joy of the Quran’s revelation, and the Quran was revealed for the establishment of justice.
Highlighting the significance of this occasion, Maulana Ilyas Falahi stated that Eid sermons across the country stress upon the Muslim community to spread the message of unity, solidarity, and brotherhood. He urged Muslims to develop a strong Daie character and convey the message of Islam to the people of Maharashtra. He called upon society to nurture the spiritual and moral discipline cultivated during Ramadan and stressed the importance of maintaining a deep connection with Allah, which leads to spiritual growth and transforms faith into positive action in society. He reminded the Muslim community to work alongside people of other faiths in addressing social issues and challenges, serving as benefactors of humanity.
The JIH Maharashtra President also expressed concern over the increasing social divisions in the country and the attempts by certain forces in the state to divide people and create hatred in society for political gains. He urged Muslims to ignore provocations from mischief-makers and to promote tolerance, democracy, and social justice with firm resolve. He stated that the best message Muslims can give to their fellow countrymen is one of peace, security, justice, and a shared harmonious future. He emphasised the need to highlight the message of justice, as peace is a result of justice, and Islam stands for justice.
In Islamic teachings, Taqwa (piety) and justice are interconnected concepts – Taqwa provides the moral foundation for justice, while justice is the practical expression of Taqwa. By nurturing Taqwa, individuals can develop a strong sense of justice and work towards building a more just society. Taqwa encourages people to act justly and avoid oppression. It awakens the conscience, making people more aware of their actions and their impact on others. This cultivates a sense of accountability, which is essential for justice. The purpose of fasting is to develop Taqwa.
Emphasising the need to address contemporary challenges, Maulana Ilyas Falahi urged Muslims to raise their voices against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024, calling it unconstitutional, undemocratic, and an attempt to weaken Muslim institutions and heritage. He stated that all legal, peaceful, democratic, and constitutional means should be adopted to oppose the bill related to the protection of Waqf properties. Stressing unity within the community, he called for greater solidarity in the Muslim world, as internal divisions only weaken them. He urged Muslims to stand together as a strong and united force.
Concluding his message, he prayed for the well-being and prosperity of all and urged the Muslim community to continue striving for goodness, unity, and service to humanity even after Ramadan.
