NIZAMABAD: Khatba Imam Idgah Jadeed Moulana Mufti Akbar called upon Muslims to take part in the restoration of peace, maintain restraint and lead a life with love and affection.

After Id-ul-Azwa (Bakrid) prayers at Jadeed Idgah on Khilla Road here on Monday, he explained as to why Muslims needed to give `qurbani' on this day. He advised Muslims to improve their conditions by availing themselves of the opportunities and pursuing education.

Stating that Muslims have been backward in all spheres and the economic condition of Dalits was much worse than others, he said 94.5 per cent Muslims were economically backward, while only 25 per cent BCs, SCs and STs were backward. Among the Muslims less than one per cent were going to higher education, he added.

School dropouts

Most of the Muslim boys were dropping out at primary school level and ending up as wayside vendors, hotel workers and coolies, he said and urged the Government to provide education to Muslim children in their mother tongue. He said in the district 14.50 per cent Muslims were there, but educational facilities available for them were not to the required level.

The nation wanted to become one of the major super powers by 2020. However, by the time about 25 crore Muslims would be under poverty. Given this fact, how could the nation become a super power, he wondered.

Quota sought

He wanted that Muslims in proportion to their population be provided reservation in Central and State Government jobs, in the annual budget two per cent be allocated to education for Muslims and seats be allotted in accordance with their population in Assembly and Parliament polls. Over 35,000 Muslims offered prayers at the Idgah.

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