Bengaluru: "To bring about a positive change in the public's perception and dispel misconceptions about Islam and its teachings among our fellow citizens, and to accurately convey Islamic teachings to them, ensuring equal educational opportunities and justice for all, are among the top priorities of our organization," said the Amir (leader) of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind,  (JIH) Syed Saadatullah Hussaini, in his keynote speech during the two-day organizational gathering of JIH Karnataka, held at Bangalore's Haj Bhavan on July 29-30, 2023. 

The gathering was organized to explain the new organizational plan of the Jamaat (from April 2023 to March 2027), and it saw participation from members of the Jamaat's Karnataka Advisory Council, State Secretaries, Assistant Secretaries, regional organizers, district and local organizers, the Department of Women, local leaders, regional organizers, and special invitees.

"The teachings of Islam are not exclusive to any particular sect or community; rather, the teachings encompass the well-being and prosperity of all human beings. These teachings hold a prominent characteristic of guiding people towards success in both worldly matters and eternal salvation," stated the Amir of the Jamaat. The Jamaat aims to ensure that this message is clear to all people of the country and that better relations prevail among different religious communities. The Jamaat aims to create an atmosphere of dialogue and communication, where hatred is eradicated. To achieve this, efforts will be made at both national and regional levels, involving states and localities. Everyone will work together for the welfare of all, fostering a conducive environment for justice and fairness.

Furthermore, continuous campaigns will be conducted to address common issues prevailing in the country, such as disparities between social classes, nervousness, violations of women's rights, female infanticide, dowry, drug abuse, corruption, etc.

The President of JIH further emphasized that, in the context of environmental crises, the Islamic perspective will be made evident, and various specific measures will be taken in different cities to address environmental issues. Additionally, special importance will be given to internal reforms within the Muslim community. JIH President added that specific Islamic teachings, such as making marriage easier, abolishing the tradition of dowry, ensuring women's rightful share in inheritance, upholding women's rights, promoting honesty in business and financial transactions, maintaining cleanliness, and treating Muslim and non-Muslim neighbors with kindness, will be highlighted and promoted.

He also mentioned that the Jamaat has resolved to focus on education. The educational system should be free from the influence of any particular ideology, inclusive, and based on moral values. It should be easily accessible to the general public and all citizens. These are the three key priorities of the Jamaat concerning education. The Jamaat will strive to increase the proportion of education among Muslims and other marginalized groups. The literacy rate and access to education will be improved, and their educational issues will be resolved. The establishment of new educational institutions in various regions of the country is also a crucial part of this project.

Empowering the Muslim community and other marginalized groups in the economic and other spheres will also be a significant part of the Jamaat's plan. Establishing microfinance as a movement and providing interest-free loans to the poor, setting up institutions for this purpose, will also be a crucial component of the project. This will help uplift the underprivileged and enable them to stand on their own feet.

It has also been resolved that alongside the various services the Jamaat is already providing through its welfare work, special efforts will be made in the field of public health and medicine. Special medical camps will be set up in major cities to provide timely guidance and prevent people from falling into the trap of exploitation in the name of medical treatment. Furthermore, the government, trustees, and the public will be made aware of their responsibilities regarding the recovery, development, and proper utilization of endowed properties (waqf). Special cells will also be established to facilitate these efforts.

One of the significant objectives of the Jamaat's efforts will be to collaborate with all justice-seeking individuals and classes in the country to strive for peace, security, justice, and fairness. Every form of oppression, injustice, unrest, hatred, division, fear, and terror will be opposed in such a way that our society becomes free from these evils.

In this gathering, Jamaat's Deputy Amir, Engineer Mohammad Salim, emphasized on strengthening the extensive bonds between the country's citizens and the Muslim community. He highlighted that divisive forces in the country aim to create rifts and distances between the majority and minority, but the Jamaat will strive to promote brotherhood and love based on human values contrary to their intentions. Our relationship with fellow countrymen should not be that of strangers but of embracing each other as our own. On the basis of this benevolence, we can safeguard our country from the adverse impacts of discord and unrest.

At the beginning of the gathering, Maulana Muhammad Iqbal Mulla, a central member of the Shura Council, delivered a powerful reminder about the "Sense of Responsibility." Amir Halqa Dr. Muhammad Saad Bilgami delivered guidance to the responsible members with the title of "Trainers, Preachers, and Leaders." The State Secretaries explained their respective and entrusted projects. The gathering provided an excellent opportunity for the exchange of ideas among the participating members.

In the light of the central and regional organizational plan, comprehensive planning will be carried out in all locations of Karnataka, and implementation will commence throughout the state. The gathering concluded with a prayer.