Ullal Friday prayer controversy: Organisations to protest against Wakf Board's “haram” claim

Mangalore, Oct 28: Sunni Yuvajana Sangha and Association of District Muslim Unions on have decided to take to the streets in protest against the notice issued by Karnataka State Waft Board against performing Juma prayer at Mohiuddin Juma Masjid located at Melangady Ullal.

The organisations have jointly planned to hold a stir on October 31 against the decision of the Wakf Board. Scholars from community, priest and religious leaders will take part in protest, which will be held in front of deputy commissioner's office, in Mangalore said K Ashraf, convener of the Association at a news conference on Monday.

He said that the Wakf Board in its notice issued on October 24 to Mohiuddin Juma Masjid has declared that offering Juma prayers at the above masjid is “haram”. This statement is apparently against the Islamic'Shariah' and Muslim community condemns this kind of violations by the Board, he said.

“The police reportedly tried to prevent Juma prayers at the same Masjid on October 25 by arresting usthad and other community leaders. Here we have noticed the interference of Mangalore North MLA B A Mohiuddin Bava and Health Minister U T Khadar. They have to apologies,” he urged.

Briefing the reason for recent clashes in Ullal Masjid, Mr Ashraf said that earlier Friday prayers were offered in Ullal Dhargah but recently new Masjid have built near Melangady, which has 435 Muslim residents. “We had invited Dharga Khazi to inaugurate new Masjid but we could not meet him personally, since he was busy. Later with the help of Khazi of Mangalore we inaugurated Masjid,” he said.