Shahi Imam of Punjab made a big claim on Bakrid, said – some state governments are doing politics on Namaz

Eid-ul-Azha (Bakrid) prayers were offered with full devotion and enthusiasm in all the mosques of the city, including the historic Jama Masjid located at Field Ganj Chowk, Ludhiana. On this auspicious occasion, lakhs of Muslim brothers prayed for peace, peace and prosperity in the country. But amidst this celebration of the festival, a big statement of Punjab’s Shahi Imam Maulana Mohammad Usman Rahmani Ludhianvi has come out, which has started a new debate in the political and social circles of the country.

Shahi Imam has expressed deep regret over the restrictions being imposed on offering namaz on the streets in some states of the country. He called it directly against the secular image of the country and constitutional freedom. In the presence of leaders of various political parties and social organizations who had come to congratulate the festival, Shahi Imam bluntly said that the laws and rules should be the same for all citizens and religions of the country.

Stopping ‘Namaz on the road’ called regrettable

In fact, while addressing the crowd gathered in Jama Masjid, Shahi Imam Punjab raised sharp questions on the policies of the governments without taking the name of any state. He said that such news is coming from many states of the country which are very worrying. Some state governments are not desisting from doing politics even during festivals. On one hand, while all other religions are given complete freedom to organize big programs on the streets for special events, on the other hand, the Muslim community is being forcibly stopped from offering namaz on the streets. Shahi Imam said that stopping one community by force and then patting one’s own back is completely contrary to the democratic and independent system of the country.

Eid-ul-Azha teaches the spirit of sacrifice for the country.

Shahi Imam Maulana Mohammad Usman Rahmani Ludhianvi, while explaining the real meaning of Eid-ul-Azha, said that this festival teaches us not only to sacrifice animals but also to sacrifice everything for the country and humanity. He said, “This day inspires us that whenever our country needs our lives or our wealth, we will not delay even a second in offering it.” Taking aim at the sectarian (communal) forces operating in the country, he said that today some people are building walls of hatred in the name of religion. If the Muslims of the country have to make any sacrifice to thwart these hateful forces, they will never back down.

There is no place for hatred in the soil of Punjab

This occasion of Eid in Ludhiana was not just a celebration of a particular community but appeared to be a beautiful bouquet of mutual brotherhood. Local MLAs Ashok Parashar Pappi and Chaudhary Madan Lal Bagga, who reached the program, hugged the Muslim community and congratulated them on Eid. The leaders said that this historic Jama Masjid of Ludhiana is not just a religious center of Muslims, but it is the biggest example of Punjab’s common culture, peace and love. Punjab’s tradition has always been to unite, not to divide. The people of Punjab will never allow those who want to make their political gains by spreading hatred here, succeed.

On this occasion, many dignitaries including former MLA and District Congress President Sanjay Talwar, Chief Sevadar of Gurdwara Dukh Nivaran Sahib Preetpal Singh, Senior Deputy Mayor Rakesh Parashar were present. Everyone said in one voice that this festival of Eid brings a message of happiness for every Indian.

If seen, sacrifices were made in the traditional manner after the prayers in all the small and big mosques of Ludhiana. There was a lot of enthusiasm among the children regarding the festival, who were seen hugging each other dressed in new clothes. Lastly, Shahi Imam Punjab expressed special gratitude to the Ludhiana Police and Municipal Corporation Administration for making elaborate security and cleanliness arrangements in the city during the festival.