Largest Muslim congregation begins in Uttar Pradesh

A large number of Muslims have gathered in Uttar Pradeshs Azamgarh District for the Alami Ijtema, the largest international congregation.

Azamgarh (Uttar Pradesh), Dec 31 : A large number of Muslims have gathered in Uttar Pradesh's Azamgarh District for the Alami Ijtema, the largest international congregation.

This time, congregation is being held in Sherwan, a nondescript hamlet, where discussion will take place on ways to combat targeting of the community worldwide.

The Sherwan village now boasts of a 4.6 million square foot shamina that can accommodate the gathering and includes hostels, clinics and cellular service providers.

Besides devotees from all over India, delegates from Saudi Arabia, France, Canada and the UK are taking part in the meet.

The delegates at the meet said the main problem confronting the religion was that the followers did not follow the tenets of Islam in their daily life.

"All the people living in this world who fears Allah and believe in Allah and follows the tenets of religion set by the god. Everybody who offers Namaz (prayers) and show allegiance to Deen (faith) should try to become honest, start loving each other and stop the bloodshed and violence," said Riyaz Ahmed from Aligarh.

Anwar Hussain from Meerut, said: "Any Muslim living anywhere either in Pakistan, America or Iraq. If they are persecuted anywhere then its impact is felt in Azamgarh, because we are one family and believe in one faith."

The meet also turned out to be a mass marriage venue with 500 couple getting married at a simple ceremony.

The three-day meet concludes on January 1.

Similar congregations were held in Jaunpur, Allahabad and Barabanki in the 90s.

The largest international congregation is the brainwork of global Islamic movement Tablighi Jammat.

ANI