Thiruvananthapuram: Responding to a report published in DC (League MP’s Salafi remarks backfire, 10.10.2017), A.M. Sherief, of Salafi Centre, Kollam, has said that Kerala Naduvathul Mujahideen is committed to practice and propagate the true spirit of Islam in its original form.
Excerpts from his letter:
Kerala Naduvathul Mujahideen (KNM) is the central organisation of Salafis of Kerala. KNM which started functioning from 1950 is the successor of Muslim Aikya Sangham, founded in 1923 under the leadership of Vakkom Abdul Khader Moulavi.
Muslim Aikya Sangham and later KNM succeeded in stopping many of superstitious beliefs that prevailed in the Muslim Community and they are continuing that work vehemently as they have to counter the activities of some sects which are engaged in spreading superstitions and those who are leading people to graves of religious leaders for worship.
Salafis are the only sect to allow entry of women to masjid for prayers. Unlike other masjids one can see any number of Quran translations in English and Malayalam in a Salafi Masjid.
Also the Imams of Salafi Masjids give Friday speeches in regional language for enlightening the audience.
Hence it is no wonder that ET Mohammed Basheer, MP, praised the activities and the ideals of Kerala Madvathul Mujahideen.
This movement was led by progressive leaders like Vakkom Abdul Khader Moulavi, Freedom fighters Mohammed Abdurahiman sahib, E Moidu Moulavi, K M Seethi Sahib, K M Moulavi etc and supported by political leaders like C H Muhammad Koya. People from all quarters should come forward to support this genuine Islamic entity of Kerala.
The term radical salafism is a misnomer and is used by vested interests to tarnish this noble movement.
It may be true that a few misguided persons have fallen prey to some fanatic elements but that in no way affects the relevance of salafi activities in contemporary Muslim community of Kerala.
