Shujat Qadri/Indore

As many as 75 Imams of the Malwa region gathered in Indore, Madhya pradesh, on Saturday to chalk out a framework to create a new nationwide organisation of Imams.

The meeting attended by Imams from Dewas, Indore, Ratlam and Ujjain, was organised by the Sunni Ulema Council of Indore.

Addressing the gathering, Mufti Ashfaq Hussain Qadri said that the circumstances in present times necessitate awakening in Muslim society. He said that positive changes are possible only when Imams articulate their opinion on various issues including social evils at religious congregations. He said that he is convinced that the day the Imams begin to address issues and topics related to Muslim society by bringing to light the Holy Quran, Hadith and Sunnat, it will lead to social awakening.

Mufti Qadri said that the Imams feel the need to create a nationwide organisation and this is the right time to discuss creation of such an organisation. The Mufti said that we must seek the help of Imams in resolving problems and Imams can be an effective medium to disseminate opinion across the country.

He said that guidelines would be needed for Imams which can be evolved in consultation with scholars.

Addressing the assembly, Mufti Syed Sahib from Indore said that social progress is possible only through positive thinking. Negative thinking always takes society towards downfall. The proposed Imam organisation will foster positive thinking among the Muslim community and take society to pinnacle of success.

Mudassir Ahsrafi, a research scholar of Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi, said that India has four lakh mosques and if these are used properly, it can bring about transformative changes for the Muslim community. At the same time, the Imams can play a significant role in nation building and development.