Malappuram: Thousands of Sunni Muslims who converged at Swalat Nagar here for a night of prayers on Friday issued a call against terror outfit Islamic State, declaring it not only un-Islamic but anti-Islamic.

The congregation vowed to resist terrorist attempts to hijack Islam. In a chorus, they pledged: “Even as we take pride in being Muslim, we respect and honour all other faiths and their followers. We will keep a continuous vigil against forces such as the IS that work to destroy the oneness of humanity.”

Administering the pledge at the 31st annual prayer meet organised by the Madin Academy, its chairman Sayed Ibrahim Khaleel Bukhari said the self-proclaimed caliphs of IS violated the fundamental principles of Islam. “Islam embodies love, tolerance and respect for all. The barbarous deeds of the IS, like killing innocents and persecuting women and children, have tarnished Islam. We will not allow them to hijack our faith,” he said.

In a keynote address, Mr. Bukhari said the pledge against the IS followed the declaration of the Marrakesh global summit of Islamic scholars held in January.

“We reiterate that we will defend the rights of religious minorities in predominantly Muslim countries,” he said.

Fight to be strengthened

The movement against the IS had won global appreciation and would be strengthened in coming days, he said.

Thousands of Sunni Muslims from different parts of Kerala arrived in Swalat Nagar to attend the night-long prayers, in anticipation of the Lailathul Qadr or the Night of Power, which is described in the Koran as the holiest night that is better than a thousand months.

All the nine venues, including six auditoriums, overflowed with people, The Hindu reported.

The organisers claimed an attendance of more than three lakh people.

Live telecast

A large number of people viewed the meet on television, with leading Malayalam channels airing the programme live.

“I joined them in all prayers sitting in the confines of my home. Had my husband been with me, I would have gone there,” said M.M. Sabira, a housewife in Vallikkunnu.

Many of the devout raised their hands and tearfully sought divine forgiveness. All India Jamiyyathul Ulama general secretary Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliar inaugurated the event.

Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama president E. Sulaiman Musliar presided. Minister for Local Administration K.T. Jaleel was among the guests.