'Pursue modern education, serve humanity'

LUCKNOW: People on Saturday gathered in large numbers to see, hear and offer 'Zohar Namaz' behind Imam E Haram Sheikh Khahid Bin Ali Al Gamdi, the Imam of world's most revered pilgrimage of Islam. The Imam of Kaba also saw various departmentsof the Integral University and laid the foundation stone of the extension building of Integral Institute of Medical Science and Research.A delegation of Congress leaders carrying message of their president Sonia Gandhi also met the Imam on Saturday.
Addressing a big gathering including large number of students, the Imam called upon the Muslim youths to pursue professional and modern education with an intention to serve the humanity. He said, "If your intention is honest, this education will be profitable for you in this world and thereafter." He announced that Islam in no way restricts anyone from pursuing professional and modern education. But, he also warned, that any modern education should not divert ones belief that Allah is one. He said that Muslims have a guide in the form of Quran and Hadith. He called upon the students to get education to compete with western countries. "You are not inferior to anyone and equally capable of attaining professional modern scientific education as anybody else," he said.
Chairman of All India Muslim Personal Law Board Maulana Rabey Hasan Nadwi in his presidential address also emphasised that modern and scientific education is necessary without compromising Islamic belief that Allah is one. Vice-Chancellor, Integral University, Prof SW Akhtar, in his welcome address, said that this university is proud and honoured to welcome a dignitary like Imam E Kaba. Chancellor of the university, Dr SR Azmi presented a citation to the Imam.
Meanwhile, a delegation of Congress leaders met Imam and handed him over a letter of Congress president Sonia Gandhi. The delegation comprised Member of Parliament Zafar Ali Naqvi, former deputy chairman Rajya Sabha K Rehman Khan, chairman of research and development unit Tariq Siddiqui and Saif Ali Naqvi. In her letter, Sonia Gandhi said that Imam's visit to India would strengthen the relations between the Arab world and India. She also said that Imam's message of peace and non-violence will make a worldwide impact. Salman Nadvi was also present on the occasion. He translated the letter of Sonia Gandhi in Arabic for Imam. The latter in response said that he was touched by the warmth and love with which he was welcomed everywhere in India.
Noted Shia cleric Kalbe Jawad on Saturday demanded carving out of 20 per cent share for Shia Muslims in all the government schemes being run for Muslims' welfare.
"The state and Central governments had been continuously discriminating against Shia Muslims and in order to ensure their welfare, this section should get 20 per cent share in all the welfare schemes for Muslims being run by the governments," Jawad said.