Bhatkal: All India Muslim Personal Law Board member Maulana Abu Talib Rahmani has said Muslims facing challenges across the world should not succumb to fear or despair but remain a source of “light” by upholding moral values and standing against social evils.
“Darkness has no existence in the presence of light. Once light appears, darkness disappears. Muslims too are like flickering lamps in this world,” Rahmani said while delivering the keynote address at a programme organised at Tanzeem Millia Masjid in Nawayat Colony, Bhatkal, as part of the Rabi-ul-Awwal observances marking the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Speaking on “The Life and Teachings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and Social Reform”, Rahmani described the Prophet as a role model for humanity and said Muslims had a responsibility to oppose wrongdoing and contribute to social reform through good character and ethical conduct.
Rahmani said Muslims are a major obstacle to every form of evil in the world. “That is why Muslims are being targeted everywhere,” he said.
Referring to the hijab controversy in Karnataka and Mandya student Muskan Khan's raising of the slogan “Allahu Akbar”, Rahmani said the incident reflected courage and a strong assertion of Islamic identity. He also argued that modesty and hijab posed a challenge to industries built around fashion, cosmetics and physical appearance, asking what would happen to such businesses if Muslim women adopted greater modesty.
Rahmani made a strong appeal for a coordinated campaign against alcohol and drug abuse, particularly among young people. Referring to India's large youth population, he warned that attempts to push young people towards drugs could weaken the country.
“India has a very large young population, around 65 per cent, and the future of the country depends on its youth. If young people are pushed towards drugs, the country itself will be weakened,” he said, urging Muslims to work actively to prevent narcotics from reaching young people and to create greater awareness about substance abuse. He also expressed concern over the alleged spread of intoxicating substances through products such as chocolates.
“Strengthening our country and protecting society from social evils is also part of the message of the Prophet,” he said, urging Muslims to ensure that they themselves did not become victims of the very social evils they were expected to oppose.
Drawing an analogy with a magnet, Rahmani said Muslims must retain their moral and social strength. He stressed that the community's real strength lay not merely in numbers but in good character, modesty, compassion, adherence to ethical values and constructive efforts towards social reform.
The programme was presided over by Majlis-e-Millia Nawayat Colony president Atiqur Rahman Muneeri. Qazi Jamaat-ul-Muslimeen Maulana Abdul Rab Nadvi, Maulana S M Irfan Nadvi, Maulana Ansar Khateeb Madani, Maulana Abdul Raqeeb M J Nadvi and other representatives were present. A large number of people attended the programme.