Mahim Dargah authoritites have beefed up security measures following the terror attacks. On Friday, they also conducted anit-terror sermons. However, other popular mosques like Minara Masjid at Mohammed Ali Road and Bandra Masjid focused on the upcoming Bakri-Id.

Rashid Khan, committee member of Mahim Dargah, said, "We are advising locals not to believe in rumours spread by the media. We tell people to live in peace and believe in the authorities. The truth will finally come out in the open."

The dargah has seen the number of security personnel in its premises go up from seven to 14 in the aftermath of the terror attacks. The guards, including Mahim police, frisk all devotees before entering the mosque.

"After the Malegaon blasts, the police either blamed Muslims or non-Muslims as they did not know whom to arrest. Its easy to point at the neighbouring nation; but they have the courage to enter our city because we allow them to. Why dont we focus on where the intelligence bureau (IB), border security force, coastal guards and naval security are going wrong?" said Khan.

When asked if there was insecurity among Muslims visiting the Dargah, Khan said, "We feel safe in this city. People come for namaaz, to seek blessings."

However, Badshah Ahmed, treasurer, Bandra Masjid, was cautious: "With Bakri-Id approaching, we are only preaching Islam, and not giving sermons on anti-terror."
Endorsing his views were the predominantly Muslim populace at Minara Masjid. "We do not sermonize on anything that disturbs people. We concentrate on our prayers. A mosque is meant for prayers and not discussing about terror attacks. If we discuss other things, the whole purpose of preaching Islam will get nullified."

Source : DNA