Thousands offer Id prayers

MYSORE: Over 30,000 Muslims onWednesday offered prayers as part of Id-ul-Fitr at the Idgah grounds amidsttight security. Hazrat Moulana Mohammed Usman Sheriff led theprayers.Speaking on the occasion, Hazrat Moulana Mohammed UsmanSheriff, Imam of Umer Khan noted the importance of Ramzan, asking people tofight communalism and terrorism. Stressing the need for unity among all sectionsof the society, he stressed on the importance of communal harmony andbrotherhood. Reminding Muslims that merely sporting white clothes onthe occasion will not meet its purpose unless one is pure at heart, he askedthose present to help the poor and needy. He also prayed for thesecurity and welfare of the country saying that patriotism is one of theimportant teachings of Islam. He also spoke on the importance offasting in the month of Ramzan, the ninth month of the Muslim calendar.More than 30 Muslim tourists from England and Australia, who are ona study tour in India, also joined the prayers.MLA Tanveer Sait,deputy mayor Ayub Khan, fomer vice-chancellor of Mangalore and Goa UniversityProf. B. Sheik Ali and prominet Muslim leaders joined in the prayers. The policehad beefed up security in the vicinity.