Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapura (JD/EP)

Kundapura, Jan 31: “The Islamic culture began through mosques in the coastal region. There is evidence that the first mosque was constructed in Udupi during the year 648. Arab traders have been performing Mosque Namaz through coconut leaves even prior to it. We can see thousands of year-old Mosques across Udupi district,” said Salihat group of institute’s vice-president Mohammed Idris Hude.

He was speaking during the ‘Nammura Maseedi Noda Banni’, a unique programme held under the cooperation of Byndoor’s Khatijul Khubra Masjid, Khamiyathul Falah Bydoor unit, Khatijathul Khabra Masjid administration and SIO Udupi district.

He said that the intention of the programme is that the celebrations in the mosque should not be held secretly. “They should be open to all. Religions should create opportunities to mix freely with people of other religions. The programme is held for that purpose,” he said.

Sada Aboobacker Basha Saheb presided over the programme. CITU Udupi district chief secretary Suresh Kallagar, Blood Health care Karnataka secretary Samshuddin Balkunje, Byndoor Holy Cross Church priest Fr Vincent Coelho spoke on the occasion. Entrepreneur Nagoor Abdussamad was present.

Hussain Saheb welcomed. Jamiyathul Falah unit president Shaikh Fayaz Ali proposed the vote of thanks. Blood Health care Karnataka media secretary Abdul Hameed Goltamajalu compered the programme.