Large Muslim congregation to take pledge against terrorism

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - Come Monday and Kerala will witness a large congregation of Muslim devotees taking a pledge against terrorism on the 26th night of Ramadan, which is considered particularly holy. The congregation for the annual prayer at Malapuram is said to be the third largest after Makkah and Madina.

Addressing reporters here, Sayyid Ibrahimul Khaleelul Bukhari, chairman of Ma’din Islamic Academy, said: “This is the third largest gathering of its kind in the world after Makkah and Madina. Here people congregate in search of the blessing of the special night called Lailathul Khadir. This time, the devotees will take a pledge against terrorism.”

The first convention, held more than two decades ago, saw the participation of a mere thousand Muslims. But the number has gone up rapidly since then. Very soon, it is expected to touch a million taking part on a single day.

“We have made arrangements for six lakh people. Around 5,000 volunteers are getting ready for the smooth conduct of the programme,” Bukhari added.

The prayers will be held on a 20-acre plot, with the devotees spilling onto both sides of a nearly seven km stretch of the national highway from Malappuram to Pokotur.

“Irrespective of caste or religion, all those living on either side of the highway allow the visiting people to erect tents and provide them with all necessary help to attend the prayers. All those unable to get a place in the main venue are provided with televisions to witness the prayers,” said Saifudeen, one of the organisers of the event.

The event is the brainchild of powerful Sunni leader Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musaliyar.

Malappuram is about 400 km from Thiruvananthapuram.