KOZHIKODE: The Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulema, a prominent Sunni Muslim clerics' organisation in Kerala, found itself embroiled in controversy after contentious remarks made by member Ummer Faizi Mukkam about Hindu goddess Parvati during a public meeting on Wednesday.
"Issues are being raked up by saying that there used to be Shivling or something of Parvati there. Accordingly, the courts are giving sanction to conduct surveys. Now there is an issue at Ajmer dargah. Mosques are being obliterated, one by one. So, Samastha has passed a resolution to uphold the Places of Worship Act of 1991," Faizi said, referring to surveys in mosques in northern India. The function was organised by Samastha Kerala Sunni Students Federation in Areacode, Malappuram.
Abdu Samad Pookottoor, state secretary of Samastha's youth wing Sunni Yuvajana Sangham, said: "Under Islam, it is improper to deride objects that are worshiped by other religions. If Faizi's remarks caused pain to people of other religions, we regret it."
Faizi is also accused of calling Samastha's president Jifri Muthukoya Thangal a "thief", prompting him to leave the group's Mushavara meeting Wednesday. Further, Faizi was criticised for his alleged Leftist leanings. "People know Faizi favours Leftist interests. Samastha cannot align with outfits that uphold atheist ideologies," Mushavara member Bahaudeen Nadwi said.
Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India. Don't miss daily games like Crossword, Sudoku, and Mini Crossword.