Hyderabad, Feb 2 (IANS): Muslim leaders and organisations from various schools of thought came together on a common platform to launch a campaign here to eradicate evils from the society.

The eight-day "Eradication of evils" campaign was launched with a public meeting here Sunday night.

Addressing a huge gathering of men and women at Khilwat Ground in the old city, the Islamic scholars voiced concern over the fast spreading evils like alcohol, drug addiction, interest, dowry, and immorality.

The speakers called on all Muslims, especially the youth, to not only protect themselves from this "flood of evils" but also save others by participating in such movements.

Expressing concern over misuse of social networking sites by youth to indulge in immoral activities, they felt that instead of using technology as a tool for development, the new generation itself has become a tool in the hands of such sites.

They underlined the need to evolvr a mechanism with the participation of all to help poor Muslims and thus save them from exploitation by financers.

Renowned Islamic scholar Maulana Mufti Sadiq Mohiuddin Faheem, who presided over the meeting, advised parents to ensure that their children are educated and trained in accordance with the teachings of the Holy Quran.

Khaja Arifuddin, president of Jamaat-e-Islami, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha units, said that the Quran describes Muslim ummah as the best nation produced for mankind, who enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong.

He said it was high time that the community realised its responsibility and worked to fulfil it.

M.K.M. Zafar, president of Jamaat's Greater Hyderabad unit, said they made the campaign a collective effort by involving all sects of the community.

During the campaign, Jamaat would organise various programmes for college students and youth and create awareness against the evils.