Eid Gift: Secretariat Mosque inaugurated
Hyderabad, Sept 9 (INN): Muslims in the city have got an almost perfect Eid gift on Thursday with the inauguration of the expanded and renovated Nizams era Masjid (Mosque) in the Secretariat premises. The expansion and renovation works on the Masjid were taken up by the government inspite of many objections during the reign of former chief minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy. Vice-Chancellor of Jamia Nizamia, Mufti Khaleel Ahmed inaugurated the Masjid.
Minority Welfare Minister Mohammed Ahmedullah Syed recalled that YSR had decided to go ahead with the renovation works, despite many people voicing their objections to the renovation works. He said, I am very much happy to finally see the ancient Masjid here finally inaugurated. There had been resentment from many quarters, but fortunately Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy had not only had overruled them, but also lent a hand by releasing some funds.
Former minister Mohammed Ali Shabbir also expressed pleasure over the inauguration of the Masjid. He said that the structure of the Masjid had suffered extensive damage during the construction work on the D-Block was in progress. He recalled that the former chief minister had insisted that the damage portion was not repaired but the Masjid expanded and rebuilt.
He also recalled that Dr Rajasekhara Reddy had approved Rs 34 lakh for the expansion of the Masjid. Mr Ahmedullah recalled that Chief Minister K Rosaiah had sanctioned additional funds for the Masjid when the works overshot the budget. Around 700 persons can worship at a single time in the Masjid, while provision for 50 women to offer prayers separately has been made.
When questioned about who would take responsibility for the salaries of the Imam and Muezzin, Mr Ahmedullah said, 'we have not yet decided on that, but it will be cleared shortly.' Till that decision is made, the local Muslims will have to collect contributions.
News Posted: 9 September, 2010
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