Dhaka, two and a half million Muslims to convert the world
Dhaka (AsiaNews) - Convert non-Muslims and pray for unbelievers, but spread the word of Allah in peace in all nations and strengthen unity among the faithful of Islam. This was the invitation launched yesterday by Indian Mullah Hasan Jobayerul to two and a half million Muslims, gathered in Dhaka for the Biswa Ijtema. The annual meeting was held without incident or calls to violence and jihad, or holy war.
Biswa Ijtema is the second most important event for the followers of Mohammed after the Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca that every adult Muslim must make once in their life. Organized by Tablighi Jamaat - and non-political religious movement, which promotes the spiritual reformation of Islam - it took place January 22 to 24 and assembled in the capital of Bangladesh - on the banks of the river Turaga - about two and a half million people from 90 nations, including the United States, Australia, Germany, South Africa, Lebanon, Indonesia, India and Pakistan.
The concluding prayer (Akher Munajat, ed), held yesterday by the Indian Mullah Jobayerul Hasan, was attended by the President of Bangladesh Zillur Rahman, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, leader of the opposition Begum Khaleda Zia, members of parliament and party secretaries.
In preparation for the 45th World Muslim Congress Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina ordered the allocation of 50 million taka (just over 500 thousand Euros). To ensure the safety of the faithful, the government deployed more than 10 thousand police officers and installed 48 CCTV cameras in the area. In the past there have been 12 deaths in accidents or fights; this year, however, the event was held with no public order problems.
The Indian religious leader called on those present to "focus on the mission to non-Muslims" and to "pray for their conversion, while strengthening the" unity among the faithful of Islam. " The proclamation of the Word of Allah, however, must be done peacefully and averse to violence. Local sources confirm that in speeches there were references to "violence or forced conversions to Islam."
The Biswa Ijtema, World Congress of Muslim faithful, is arranged by the Tablighi Jamaat, which is a religious and apolitical movement. But the anti-terrorism agencies of some countries suspect ties between members of the organization and the network of international Islamic terrorism.
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