HYDERABAD: In a gesture that would help build a bridge of understanding among people of different religions, managements of various mosques and dargahs in the city have decided to organise “Meal at Masjid” to mark Milad-un-Nabi, the birthday of Prophet Muhammad.
This is the first time that mosque and dargah committees will host a meal for people of all faiths.
This is the second phase of the “Visit my Mosque” outreach programme in Hyderabad. Earlier, several mosques were opened for people of all religions for a better understanding of one another. Now, in the second phase, meals will be served as part of the Milad-un-Nabi celebrations. Apart from Hyderabad, mosque and dargah committees in other parts of India including Vijayawada will also open the doors to all.
Though Milad-un-Nabi falls on September 28 this year, Muslim religious leaders in Hyderabad have decided to hold the Milad-related public events between September 23 and 27 to avoid clash with Ganesh immersion that falls on September 28. Accordingly, different mosques and dargahs will host the “Meal at Masjid” on any of these days.
“The key is not to invite just religious leaders, but also common people from the neighbourhood, with special focus on getting as many youth as possible from all communities,” said Mazher Hussain, executive director of COVA Peace Network. A brainchild of Mazher Hussain, the “Meal at Masjid” programme has received a good response across the world. Meanwhile, as many as 300 mosques from seven countries have agreed to host lunch or dinner on Milad-un-Nabi.
At least two dozen mosques in Hyderabad have so far agreed. A dedicated website has been set up to enable mosque committees to organise Meal at Masjid and upload the photographs.
“There will be a small discussion on life of Prophet Mohammed and his teachings and the mosque or dargah panel will also learn from the non-Muslim guests about the core teachings of their religions and prophets and saints to understand the core teachings of all,” Mazher told TOI.
He said he is in talks with leaders of other religious communities to host meals on their festivals. “This could help develop proper perspective and clear misunderstandings,” he said, adding that Milad-un-Nabi will just be a start. Apart from opening mosques and dargahs for a meal, there will also be blood donation camps in the run up to the Milad.
Social activist Zakir Hussain said mosque committees in Hyderabad are now opening up to all, recognising the importance of communal harmony.
“Now many mosques in Hyderabad are playing multiple roles – from hosting old-age homes to running health clinics and providing mid-day meal to children in slums. A few mosques have libraries too and run coaching centres also,” Zakir said.
This is the first time that mosque and dargah committees will host a meal for people of all faiths.
This is the second phase of the “Visit my Mosque” outreach programme in Hyderabad. Earlier, several mosques were opened for people of all religions for a better understanding of one another. Now, in the second phase, meals will be served as part of the Milad-un-Nabi celebrations. Apart from Hyderabad, mosque and dargah committees in other parts of India including Vijayawada will also open the doors to all.
Though Milad-un-Nabi falls on September 28 this year, Muslim religious leaders in Hyderabad have decided to hold the Milad-related public events between September 23 and 27 to avoid clash with Ganesh immersion that falls on September 28. Accordingly, different mosques and dargahs will host the “Meal at Masjid” on any of these days.
“The key is not to invite just religious leaders, but also common people from the neighbourhood, with special focus on getting as many youth as possible from all communities,” said Mazher Hussain, executive director of COVA Peace Network. A brainchild of Mazher Hussain, the “Meal at Masjid” programme has received a good response across the world. Meanwhile, as many as 300 mosques from seven countries have agreed to host lunch or dinner on Milad-un-Nabi.
At least two dozen mosques in Hyderabad have so far agreed. A dedicated website has been set up to enable mosque committees to organise Meal at Masjid and upload the photographs.
“There will be a small discussion on life of Prophet Mohammed and his teachings and the mosque or dargah panel will also learn from the non-Muslim guests about the core teachings of their religions and prophets and saints to understand the core teachings of all,” Mazher told TOI.
He said he is in talks with leaders of other religious communities to host meals on their festivals. “This could help develop proper perspective and clear misunderstandings,” he said, adding that Milad-un-Nabi will just be a start. Apart from opening mosques and dargahs for a meal, there will also be blood donation camps in the run up to the Milad.
Social activist Zakir Hussain said mosque committees in Hyderabad are now opening up to all, recognising the importance of communal harmony.
“Now many mosques in Hyderabad are playing multiple roles – from hosting old-age homes to running health clinics and providing mid-day meal to children in slums. A few mosques have libraries too and run coaching centres also,” Zakir said.