Pakistan Not Welcome to the Third Largest Islamic Congregation

“Can’t send message of peace with those who kill in the name of Islam,” said an organiser of the event.

Animosity between India and Pakistan is not only restricted to the gunfire exchanged between soldiers or the politicians’ rhetoric, the much-touted ban on Pakistani actors or even say, the mother of all sporting events – cricket matches.

Annual Congregation ‘Iztema’ Bans Pakistan

Friction between the two neighbouring countries has also affected an event in Bhopal, which by its very nature, is a peaceful congregation that talks about love, peace and unity.

The third largest Islamic congregation in the world, Alami Tablighi Iztema, organised in Bhopal every year, has officially banned Pakistan from participating. The three-day-long event will begin on 25 November at Itkhedi on the outskirts of the city. Thousands of Islamic scholars from around 30-35 countries will be a part of the event.

The 70th Iztema is likely to be attended by over 10-12 lakh devotees from US, Canada, England, South Africa, Indonesia, Malaysia, Russia, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia and Iran.

Also Read: Retd Lt Gen Davar’s Book Traces Roots of Pakistan’s ‘Deep State’

Event Bears the Brunt of Strain in Bilateral Ties

With Pakistan emerging as the hub of terror and owing to the strain in bilateral ties, the Iztema Management Committee has decided it won’t allow the entry of Pakistani scholars and devotees at the event this year.

“The Iztema Committee has banned Pakistani Islamic scholars and Jamats (group that impart religious messages) due to the enmity with our country,” said 53-year-old spokesperson of the committee, Atiq-ul-Islam.

Also Read: How the Rohingya Crisis May Help Pakistan’s Cause in Bangladesh

We have been inviting and welcoming Islamic scholars and devotees from across the globe with an open heart, but we won’t allow the Pakistanis until they stop these un-humanitarian activities being carried out in the name of Islam. Country always comes first for us.

Atiq-ul-Islam, Spokesperson, Iztema Management Commi

While another member of the Iztema Management Committee, Iqbal Hafeez said:

Just like the Indian government, on several occasions, we thought of inviting Pakistani scholars and jamats to give a fresh lease of life to relationship, but chose to refrain from doing so this time (sic).

“It was the committee’s decision to ban Pakistan after the country’s alleged involvement in terror activities and continuous attack in the name of jihad. Pakistan’s participation may also tarnish this congregation’s name and history,” Hafeez added.

Tradition of Organising Tablighi Iztema

The first meeting of the Tablighi Iztema was held in 1944 when Hamidulla Khan was the Nawab of Bhopal. After independence, the first Tablighi Iztema was held in 1949 at Masjid Shakoor Khan in the walled city of Bhopal. Due to rioting and souring relations, East Pakistan (currently Bangladesh) and West Pakistan (currently Pakistan) were not invited then.

After Bangladesh became a separate nation in 1971, the committee invited them but later, changed their mind due to alleged involvement in terror activities.

We don’t want to send the message of peace along with those who killed innocents in the name of Islam.

Atiq-ul-Islam, Spokesperson, Iztema Management Committee

Special Arrangements for People with Disability

In a bid to make it more convenient for people with disability, the Iztema Committee has deployed more than 150 sign language experts, who would translate the ongoing lectures.

I learnt sign language during a jamaat. It helped me understand challenges faced by the disabled. Every year I volunteer to be a part of the Itzema. It gives a new direction to my life (sic).

Shoaib Khan, sign language expert

The congregation will begin after Fajar namaz (morning namaz), followed by a series of lectures from Muslim scholars and clerics. With 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed walking free in Pakistan, it seems terror will continue to haunt such congregations that are aimed at maintaining peace and harmony across India.

Also Read: Hafiz Saeed Walks Free, Says He Will Fight for ‘Kashmir Cause’

(The writer is a Bhopal-based freelance journalist. He can be reached @MallickKakvi .)

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