Punjab Shahi Imam at Kondhwa urges community to hate addiction, not the addict

Kondhwa, October 29, 2026: Maulana Mohammad Usman Rahmani Ludhianvi, the Shahi Imam of Punjab, has called on families, religious organisations and community groups to make a joint effort to overcome addiction. He also said people struggling with addiction should be given support.

He was speaking at an event held at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Sports Complex ground in Kondhwa. He praised the United Minority Council (UMC) for taking the initiative on public awareness towards making Pune and Maharashtra free of addiction.

Rahmani said awareness needed to be greater among the young in particular, so that addictions could be curbed. He also stressed that those caught in the grip of addiction must receive proper guidance, care, treatment and rehabilitation.

He said, "We must hate the addiction, not the person who is suffering. Those caught in the grip of addiction need love, sympathy and proper guidance. Community leaders, elders and family members must come together to solve this social problem."

Rahmani said addiction affects not only a person's health and future but also the well-being of their family. He appealed to people not to isolate or blame those fighting addiction, and instead to stand by them in getting help and rehabilitation services.

He also spoke of the importance of good character, humanity, compassion and service to others, saying these build trust and harmony in society. He told people to look after their parents, respect elders, fulfil family responsibilities and maintain cordial relations with people of all faiths. He also urged young people to stay away from addictions and other bad habits and to live responsibly.

During the visit, Rahmani interacted with representatives of religious and social organisations and with clerics. The discussions covered issues concerning the community. Special arrangements had also been made for women attending the event.

Those on the dais included Mufti Aleem, Maulana Zakir, Mufti Abdul Muqtadir, Hafiz Salahuddin, Maulana Shakeel of Wadgaonsheri, Maulana Zaid, Maulana Muzammil, Mufti Jalal and Qari Inam, along with other dignitaries.

The United Minority Council team includes Mohammad Saleem, Anis Shaikh, Ali Inamdar, Adv. Afroz Mulla, Habib Shaikh, Khalid Attar, Muzammil Shaikh, Sameer Shaikh, Abul Rahman, Abrar Khan, Feroz Beg, Nasir Apradh, Arif Tamboli, Imran Khan and Adv. Salman.