Imams, khatibs vow to prevent militancy

Imams and khatibs of different mosques in the capital yesterday vowed to play their part in preventing militancy, terrorism and drug addiction.

They decided to deliver messages of Islam against militancy and narcotics at different prayers -- including Juma and Tarabih during the upcoming Ramadan -- so that people, especially youths, cannot be badly influenced.

If the sermons, which some mosques are currently delivering sporadically, could be delivered in a unified way, it would be more effective, they said at a views-exchange meeting held at Paltan in the evening.

Imams, khatibs and muezzins of the mosques from Motijheel, Paltan, Kamalapur and Shahjahanpur areas as well as teachers of various madrasas participated in the programme.

Maulana Mohammad Mizanur Rahman, chief pesh imam of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, said Islam is a religion of peace. It does not support militancy or killing of innocents.

“We should deliver the sermons together to stop our young generation from being involved in militancy or from doing drugs,” he said. The Juma prayers during Ramadan are a perfect time to deliver the messages, as more people attend prayers.

Monirul Islam, imam of T&T Colony Mosque, alleged that at times the imams could not deliver the messages due to pressures from some members of the mosque management committees.

He said the committee members also have to play a strong role along with the imams and khatibs in preventing the menace of militancy and drug addiction.

Speaking as the chief guest, Social Welfare Minister Rashed Khan Menon said people follow the speeches and directions of imams and khatibs the most.

If they play their roles properly in solving the issues through delivering sermons, the progress of the country will not be hampered, he said.