UAE's sweet gesture to devout in city

Charminar: Thousands of devout who are breaking their fast at Mecca Masjid are being served with dates each day specially sent by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) this Ramzan season.

According to Mecca Masjid superintendent Mohammed Abdul Qadeer Siddiqui, the UAE consulate in Kerala had couriered as much as 15,000 kg of dates to the grand mosque for this season, while about 500 kg of the same quality dates were also sent to Shahi Masjid in Nampally.

About 33 kg of dates are being consumed by the devout during Iftar at Mecca Masjid every day. Besides, the mosque has also received a regular supply of dates from the Department of Minority Welfare, and it was 1,000 kg.

Rounds of special prayers

It is a well-known fact that the special prayers 'Taraweeh' at Mecca Masjid provides a chance for nearby businessmen to take part in three different rounds. The first round in the first 10-day period (while completing 3-chapters daily), has been completed, and the second round has already started.

The superintendent said that the rounds have remained a phenomenon for several decades, and the businessmen who take care of their businesses do not wish to miss these special prayers. While some take care of businesses, others pray and this is repeated in the second and third rounds, as per the convenience to balance their businesses and prayers.

No public meetings

The superintendent also informed that all kinds of preparations are being made to ensure that the last Friday of Ramzan concludes peacefully without any problem. MA Qadeer also said that due to the Model Code of Conduct in force, no political party is given a chance to conduct Youm-ul-Quran this time around.

It may be mentioned here that in the first three Fridays of Ramzan the parties – Majlis Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (MIM), Majlis Bachao Tehreek (MBT) and All India Sunni Ulama Board (AISUB) conduct public meetings under the name, 'Youm ul Quran,' following the Friday prayers in the afternoon.

However, due to Model Code of Conduct, the activity is barred by the committee, which reviews the matters related to the election code. Notwithstanding the decision, the AISUB, citing their organisation's apolitical nature, has approached the court recently.

By Mohammed Mujahid