Mumbai: Three-day 33rd Annual International Sunni Ijtema sends out message of conquering hatred with love

MUMBAI: Scholars at the recent three-day 33rd Annual International Sunni Ijtema or congregation of Sunni Dawate Islami stressed the need to conquer hatred with love.

Addressing a huge congregation of Sunni Muslims, they called upon the community to follow a vice-free life and practise brotherhood, peaceful co-existence with non-Muslims.


World-renowned Islamic scholar Allama Qamruzzaman Khan Azmi delivered a moving address on "The Islamic System of Love and Brotherhood," calling upon Muslims to counter societal hatred with high moral character.

Allama Azmi cited the historic "bloodless" conquest of Makkah by the Prophet as the ultimate example of "victory through love." He reminded the gathering that when Prophet Muhammad entered Makkah as a victor, he held the power to exact revenge on those who had persecuted him and his companions for decades.

He asked the trembling crowd: "What do you expect from me?" They replied: "You are a noble brother, son of a noble brother."
The Prophet then declared the historic general amnesty: "Go, you are all free today. There is no reproach upon you."
Allama Azmi highlighted the depths of this mercy, noting that the Prophet even forgave his staunchest enemies, including Hinda (who had mutilated the body of his uncle Hamza) and Wahshi (who had killed Hamza).

"This was not just a military victory," Allama Azmi emphasized. "It was a victory of Morals and Love that turned bloodthirsty enemies into devoted followers."

Allama Azmi stated that if Muslims today display the same patience (sabr) and high moral character amidst oppression, the "clouds of hatred" currently hovering over the world will disperse.

Maulana Shakir Noorie, president of Sunni Dawate Islami, said that one of the purposes of man:s creation is service to humanity.
He stated that the purpose of creation is twofold: Worship of the creator and Service to Humanity.

"If service to humanity is removed from religion, only ritual worship remains. For worship alone, the angels were sufficient for the Lord," he remarked.

Maulana Noorie listed three signs of true humanity:Humility in Wealth, forgiveness in power and selfless charity.
Maulana Noorie emphasized that mercy extends to animals too.

He also emphasized the value of hope. "A hopeless person loses even a good opportunity, while a hopeful person finds an opportunity even in difficulty," Maulana Noorie said.