Bhatkal: Eid ul-Adha was celebrated across India, including in Bhatkal, on Saturday, June 7, with deep religious devotion and communal enthusiasm. Due to the ongoing monsoon season, Eid prayers were held across all Juma mosques in Bhatkal and other parts of coastal Karnataka, instead of the traditional open-air Eidgahs. As forecasted, heavy rain began shortly after the prayers concluded, making it difficult for many worshippers to return home comfortably.
The largest congregation took place at Tanzeem Millia Masjid in Nawayath Colony—one of the biggest mosques in Karnataka—where thousands of worshippers gathered to offer Eid prayers in a spirit of unity and devotion. The Arabic sermon was followed by its Urdu translation for the benefit of the congregation.
Delivering the Eid message, Maulana Ansar Madani, khateeb of Tanzeem Millia Masjid, emphasized that Muslims must avoid causing inconvenience to others while celebrating Eid and ensure that the peaceful atmosphere of society remains intact.
In sermons delivered across the region, religious scholars raised strong concerns over the rampant misuse of mobile phones, calling them the "greatest temptations" of modern times. They warned that unregulated access to smartphones—particularly among children and youth—is leading to widespread moral and spiritual decay. “If mobile phones become our guides, we risk losing an entire generation to distraction and immorality,” one speaker cautioned.
At Khalifa Jamia Masjid, Maulana Khaja Muinuddin Akrami Madani highlighted the importance of fulfilling others' rights. “How can a sacrifice or pilgrimage be accepted when one continues to withhold what is due to others?” he questioned. He stated that delaying the repayment of debts is an act of injustice—and Allah does not forgive zulm (oppression). He also criticized the modern trend of superficial religious practices, urging the faithful to reflect on the true purpose of worship, which is to seek Allah’s pleasure.
In a strong message to the youth, Maulana condemned inappropriate celebrations involving music, dance, and un-Islamic behavior. “If our youth are dancing in the streets, celebrating matches, and involving women in un-Islamic ways, then we are straying from Islamic teachings,” he said. He called for sincere repentance and urged the younger generation to embrace a life guided by self-discipline, modesty, and spiritual values.
At the historic Jama Masjid, Maulana Abdul Aleem Khateeb Nadvi offered prayers for global peace and prosperity. He described Eid as a day to cleanse hearts of hatred, reconcile differences, and unite people. “It is a day to embrace not only friends and family but even those with whom we have disputes,” he said.
Concluding his sermon, Maulana Abdul Aleem emphasized the need to foster unity within society. “We must become agents of togetherness, not division,” he said. “Those who divide others and cause hardship for them—Allah Himself will deal with such people. Creating harmony is such a noble act that Islam even permits speaking a white lie if it helps reconcile people. But to truly build harmony, we must first tame our inner selves, because the ego is the root of all conflict and discord.”