Mangalore witnessed a vibrant celebration of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) on Saturday as the Illa Habib Milad Rally gathered near the historic Clock Tower. The event, organised by the KJ, SVS and SSF West District committees, featured a keynote address by Hafiz Sufyan Sakhafi, President of Karnataka SSF, who affirmed that the Prophet's message, conduct and ideals remain alive and ever‑new.
Speaking to a diverse audience, Hafiz Sakhafi emphasized that the Prophet's teachings continue to beat like a heart in the minds of billions worldwide. He recalled that four hundred years ago the Prophet urged humanity to nurture peace, harmony and a sacred society, a vision that the SSF has upheld for the past hundred years. According to him, no Sunni activist is entangled in injustice, casteism, communalism or extremism.
The rally was inaugurated by General Convener Navaz Sakhafi Adyar, who noted that the Milad rally has been held annually since 1997, with a two‑year gap caused by the Covid pandemic. He reminded participants that the Prophet's birthday is celebrated across the globe and urged everyone to extend compassion to neighbours, echoing the Prophet's call that only those who follow his message can truly be Muslims.
Committee Chairman Rahim Saadi Qadir presided over the proceedings, while KJ West District President Hanif Haji Bajpe, Karnataka State Committee member Alikunje Pare, SVS West District President Mahboob Sakhafi and other leaders attended. SSF West District President Ravooof Himmi Kamal Sakhafi welcomed the gathering, and Treasurer Sinan Sakhafi narrated the program schedule.
At the Bavutagudde Eidgah Mosque, Muhammad Haji Sagar handed the rally flag to the organisers, officially launching the procession. The rally proceeded in a torch‑lit circle that culminated at the Clock Tower, symbolising unity and the enduring relevance of the Prophet's teachings for coastal Karnataka and beyond.
Image for illustration purposes only
📰 Source: Vartha Bharati DK