Muslims across Mumbai on Friday offered special prayers for those killed in the Jaipur blasts and for peace in the country, on a call given by prominent Islamic organisations.
The biggest gathering of Muslims was seen at the Jama Masjid in Pydhonie in South Mumbai where Maulana Zubair Parkar led the prayers. In his sermon, he demanded harsh punishment for the perpetrators of the crime and also urged Muslims to root out terrorism.
He said there was no place for terrorism in Islam and no religion tolerates terrorism. Quoting from the Quran, he said killing oneself or others is prohibited.
In Malad in north-west Mumbai, the Malvani Maharashtra Minority Front members led by its general secretary Haider Azam offered special prayers.
Meanwhile, heavy police 'bandobast' was seen during the Friday prayers outside mosques today. At some places, the volunteers themselves were seen screening the devotees.
In the Muslim-dominated areas of Bhendi Bazar, Nagpada, Agripada and others, a 'nakabandi' was held before the Friday prayers.
The organisations which had given a call for the special prayers included the All India Ulema Council, Raza Academy, and All India Shia Personal Law Board.
UNI