A senior journalist from Saudi Arabia, Khaled Almaeena visited Hyderabad recently to speak at Youm-e-Rahmatul-lil Alameen, on the invitation from Maulana Abdul Raheem Qureshi of All India Tameer-e-Millat.
During his visit, he interacted with some popular figures in the Muslim community, including Deputy CM Mohmood Ali, former Indian cricket captain Mohammed Azharuddin, social activist Mohammed Khaleequr Rahman, Dairatul Maarif director Mustafa Shareef, Darul Uloom Hyderabad president Mohammed Raheem Ansari, and Iqbal Academy vice president Ziauddin Nayyar.
In his letter after the visit, published in Saudi Gazette, Mr. Almaeena praised India saying: “Indian cities have a special flavor; the cacophony of sound, the hustle and bustle, and the special aroma of bazaars and eateries are delightful.”
While noticing the keynote speech on the Prophet’s (pbuh) commemoration delivered by a retired IAS officer Jagdish Chandra and community leaders’ intense resolve to improve quality of life of fellow Indians, Mr. Almaeena called it “secularism at its best”.
He articulated that the Prophet’s humanistic role in peaceful evolution of the society is significant in modern times “when youth are becoming excited by murderous organizations and are setting off to fight in a self-contrived cause that is entirely bereft of any religious ideal.”
In addition, Mr. Almaeena specially pointed out that numerous old manuscripts at Dairatul Maarif “will ultimately disappear” if not preserved. He invited Arab libraries and research centers to come forward, while mentioning that annual grant from the Indian government doesn’t suffice to preserve literature at the organization.
Mr. Almaeena also talked about Telangana Chief Minister KCR’s vision and goal to enhance prosperity. Following interaction with Mr. Mahmood Ali, he said: “I am sure progress will prevail.”
Mr. Alameena is Editor-at-Large in Saudi Gazette. He can be reached at kalmaeena@saudigazette.com.sa and followed on Twitter: @KhaledAlmaeena. [Courtesy: Saudi Gazette]