A prominent city-based Islamic cleric has dubbed terrorist organisation Islamic State as ‘anti-Islam’ and said those connected to the group cannot be called Muslims.
Imam of the Aishbagh Eidgah, Maulana Rashid Farangi Mahali, said some “communal” leaders were “spreading venom” against Muslims and demanded that stern action be taken against them.
Decrying the militant attacks in Dhaka and Medina, he asserted, “ISIS is an anti-Islam and anti-human outfit. People connected to the ISIS cannot be called Muslims and terror-related activities are completely anti-Islam.”
Three people were killed by militants at the biggest Eid gathering in Bangladesh’s Sholakia, nearly a week after the deadly attack on a Dhaka cafe that left 22 people dead. Multiple attacks were carried out in Saudi Arabia, including one in Medina, on Monday.
He has appealed to the United Nations (UN) to identify those behind such attacks.
Women allowed to offer prayers at Aishbagh Eidgah
Addressing a gathering on Eid-ul-Fitr, the Imam offered special prayers, seeking an end to acts of terror and said the festival brings the message of happiness and peace.
On women being allowed to offer prayers at the Aishbagh Eidgah for the first time, the Imam said, “Special arrangements were made for women to separately offer namaaz at the Eidgah. The main objective was to give the message that the religion of Islam bestows equal rights on men and women.”
Hoping that the move would work as a precedent, he said, “At least on Eid, special arrangements should be made for women to offer namaaz at Eidgahs in the country.”
