Mangalore : A total of 17 couples from the economically-backward members of the Muslim entered into wedlock at the 5th mass marriage ceremony organized by Bearys Welfare Forum Abu Dhabi (BWF), an association of NRIs from coastal Karnataka at Milagres Church Hall on October 18.

Udupi district Qazi P M Ibrahim Musliyar Bekal, inaugurated the ceremony and said that Islam does not believe in Dowry, but today the community members follow it as a practice. The couple deciding to get marry must take a firm stand not to take dowry.

Bearys Welfare Forum Abu Dhabi joint-secretary Siddique Uchil, said that the couple getting married at ceremony were given gold, silver and clothes worth Rs 1.80 lakh per couple for the wedding. A total expenditure is estimated to be around Rs 1.50 crore.

He also said that, forum has also raised money to construct 100 toilets for economically-backward families over the past two years.

Mangalore Qazi Twaka Ahmed Musliyar, solemnized the Nikah for 17 couples from Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Chikmagalur and Kasargod districts.

Bearys Welfare Forum Abu Dhabi president Mohammed Ali Uchil, joint-secretary Imran Ahmed Kudroli, Minister for Health and Family Welfare U T Khader, MLA Moideen Bava, MLA J R Lobo, Bangalore Bearys Welfare Association president B M Farooq, Dakshina Kannada district Waqf Advisory Committee chairman S M Rashid, Beary Group of Institutions chairman Sayed Mohamed Beary, Muslim jamayat Puttur president Haji S Ibrahim Kammadi, Al Wafa Charitable Trust chairman Muhammad Badruddin, and other members of Bearys Welfare Forum were present.

Mohammed Rafeek Krishnapura, Vice-president of Bearys Welfare Forum welcomed the guest and introduced them to the audience. B A Mohammed Ali compered the programme and Imran Ahmed Kudroli delivered the vote of thanks.