New Delhi Kozhikode

About 25,000 people from across the country participated in what is one of the biggest iftar gatherings in the ongoing month of Ramzan in India at the Grand Mosque of Knowledge City Jami ul Futuh in Kozhikode, Kerala.

The Grand Mosque was specially illuminated for the occasion. The scene of the Iftar looked like a mini-township had descended there.

A large army of volunteers was involved in serving the fast-breaking meal to the all-Muslim gathering. It was announced on behalf of the Markaz: "Badr Al-Kubra (nodal building of the Markaz) instills a sense of patience and faith in us. It strengthens our faith and hope and empowers us to deal with challenges.”

A large number of dishes were cooked for about 26,000 people. Mutton Biryani turned out to be a big favourite of most of the guests. Volunteers regulated the traffic around the mosque.

Arrangements were made for the parking of 2500 cars, 1500 two-wheelers, and private and public buses. Markaz sources said the cooking and packing of food was carried on for two days ago.

People at the Grand Mosque of Knowledge City Jami ul Futuh in Kozhikode

Established in the year 1978, Markaz Markaz Saqqafati Sunniya runs various educational and charitable institutions across India. Eminent scholars and social workers are associated with it. It has been a patron of the underprivileged population and a champion of creative education with a spiritual foundation.

It follows the combination of the modern curriculum and moral and religious education. Its alumni are law-abiding citizens and loyal to their faith with utmost respect for everyone.

Through the Markaz Homecare Project, more than 1500 orphan children are now being taken care of. Markaz provides free education and all-day expenses to over 5,000 students including orphans, Sharia and Quran students, including some boys from Kashmir.

Apart from educational empowerment, Markaz focuses on medical missions, career guidance, fresh water projects in suburban areas, community marriages, and many more humanitarian services across India. When the foundation stone was laid by Dr. Syed Muhammad Alawi Maliki, the world-renowned scholar of the Holy Mecca on 18th April 1978, the people of Kerala including educationists, scholars, and students witnessed the beginning of a new era.

Aerial view of the mosque

Popularly known as Markaz Saqqafati Sunniya or simply Markaz, it is home to thousands of destitute children. A source of relief and comfort for many families. This huge non-governmental organization of charity has carved a place for itself as a guiding light for a generation.

Markaz Al-Azhar University Cairo, Egypt, is one of the few institutions to receive the prestigious recognition of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Aligarh, Jamia Millia, Hamdard, New Delhi etc.

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Here students belong to different states of India like Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Kerala, Lakshadweep, North East states, etc. Students from foreign countries like Canada, America, Britain, Singapore, etc. are also taking training here. They are also kept in Markaz institutions and given educational food. Markaz is synonymous with charity and educational service in India and abroad.