Fearing Islamists, Kerala ministerSaji Cherian apologies for his Saudi Arabia Mosques prayer remark

Following cyber attack from Islamists, Minister Saji Cherian today (7 August)extended apology over his comments regarding not hearing the call to prayer from Mosques during his recent visit to Saudi Arabia.

 

In his clarification, Cherian said that the comments were made based on wrong information and that he had only tried to highlight the love and harmony among different communities and religions in Saudi Arabia and the moderate approach being taken there.

 

Further, he said that some people were circulating parts of his speech without understanding it. He had said the following during a function in Kochi on Sunday (6 August).

 

 

 

“I thought extremists were living there… (with) extreme religious beliefs… But I was surprised to learn that there is no call to prayer from mosques. When I asked the person accompanying me about this, he told me that prayers are held inside the mosques. If the call to prayer is heard outside, they (mosques) would face the consequences. As per their faith, they have the right to make the call to prayer. But, if it is heard outside (the mosque), it is a public nuisance.”

 

Comparing the situation to that of Kerala, he said, “Whereas here (in Kerala), can we live near a mosque? Here, the mic is used to unleash God everywhere. In Saudi, everyone has the right to pray. But all have to abide by the rules. Is the majority community there (Saudi) attacking anyone? There is a democratic situation.”

 

Cherian's remarks and subsequent clarification come at a time when the CPI(M) is facing strong criticism for Speaker AN Shamseer's remarks about Lord Ganesha. The party has backed Shamseer, who has said that he would not apologise for his comments.