RIYADH — Social activist Aleem Khan Falaki appealed to the Indian community to come forward and boycott extravagant weddings and the dowry system as it is affecting the community by imposing on it a huge financial burden. He said that the expectations of dowry and wedding dinner is just another form of corruption. During his visit here, Falaki addressed the Indian community at different gatherings and highlighted the social evils related to the un-Islamic practices in weddings. He successfully convinced several people to avoid and boycott such weddings. Twenty-three members took a pledge by signing a declaration that they would boycott such marriages and try to convince their friends and relatives to avoid and eradicate this draconic system. He addressed a large Indian community at an "Anti Dowry" event organized by Telangana NRI Forum at Niagara Banquet Hall. Next day he interacted with selected Indian community members at the luncheon hosted by Abdulrahman Saleem and on the third day he attended another gathering of select community members at Cocoa Palm Restaurant. He said the present system of wedding ceremonies conducted by splurging huge expenditure is not only against Islam but also an open violation of Indian the constitution. Falaki said, "Extravagant wedding are the root cause of several evils which is damaging everyone — financially and morally. Islam prohibits dowry but this tradition is growing fast among Muslims in India." He added that there is an urgent need to awaken the community to this social evil and make it raise its voice against dowry. He said every time he visits India he adopts a region to campaign against the dowry. Falaki said after the demolition of Babri Masjid we have seen that the only solution to change the society is to bring it back to the right teachings of Islam. He quoted the words of deputy Nazeer Ahmed, "All the Prophets were social reformers first, and whoever does social reform work his time, he will be working on prophetic mission." He said after the discussing the issue with former president of All India Muslim Personal Law Board, Late Qazi Mujahidual Islam Qasmi and Late Dr. Israr Ahmed of Pakistan he has taken the route to condemn this practice as they too were strongly against the dowry and those who encouraged and patronized them. He added that with the help of few youths he has established a Muslim Socio reforms society and lamented that no religious, social or political organizations are working on social reforms. He said he is working on three fronts — eradication of dowry system and dinner expenses imposed on the parents of bride, to prepare counselors to counsel couples to curb the increasing number of divorces and to revive the Islamic courts like Imarat-e-Sharia Bihar, as no Muslim conflicts should go to the courts. Our own scholars and muftis should be engaged as Qur'an is the constitution of life and solves the problems. In one of the events, Kundan Lal Kotwal, AGM Air India, said, "This is high time to change the format of Indian marriages. He appreciated the work done in the right direction for social reforms. Many parents of grooms are demanding huge dowries. Now times have changed as many marriages in India are becoming simple as parents and their wards are opting for the basic rites. Saleem, president, Hindustani Bazme Urdu, said all NRIs are ready to help the social cause of Aleem Khan. He advised NRIs to perform simple marriages for their offspring so that the others can follow and, added that we need to work diligently for this cause. Dr. Mohammed Ashraf Ali, Mohammed Farooqui Shabaz, Dr. Ahamad Dilshad and Shamsuddin, Nizamuddin Afroz also spoke on this occasion. Aleem Khan Falaki came to Riyadh on an invitation of Afroz. Earlier, Hafiz Khaja Aleemuddin recite verses of Holy Qur'an and Mohammed Jabbar, president, Telangana NRI forum gave the welcome address and proposed vote of thanks. TM. Mohammed Mubin conducted the proceedings and Jabbar felicitated Aleem Khan Falaki.
