The New Nation - Internet Edition

THE Jumma prayer at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque on Friday was partially marred by clashes between two groups of devotees reportedly over the appointment of a new Khatib. According to reports, the two groups of devotees taking sides had assembled at the area since morning. As the senior pesh imam, reportedly under the instruction of the mosque authorities, stood up to lead the prayer a section of the devotees protested. It led to the scuffle that continued till after the prayer.

The post of the Khatib of the national mosque had remained vacant since the death of the previous Khatib Moulana Ubaidul Haque in October 2007. The senior pesh imam had since then been leading prayers as Acting Khatib. The caretaker government, at the fag end of its tenure, appointed a new Khatib triggering controversies. The Khatib of the national mosque is highly respected by all. The Khatib is expected to give religious interpretation and guidelines on different occasions. Khatib Ubaidul Haque had termed the activities of the Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh as against Islam and had given guidance on other issues for more than a decade remaining above controversy. Appointment to such a post should have been done on the basis of consensus from all quarters. It is not understandable why the people in charge of the religious affairs felt the urge to go for such a hasty decision that eventually led to the untoward incident.

The Khatib of the national mosque is an institution. Appointment to this post should be handled with all seriousness and care and kept above controversies. The concerned authorities should follow a procedure for consultation of religious leaders and scholars. The matter should be resolved at the fastest.