Various faiths leaders pledge to fight growing communal virus

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Various faiths leaders pledge to fight growing communal virus

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ABU DHABI:The recent inauguration of the BAPS temple in Abu Dhabi by Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlights an interesting irony. This grand temple stands in the Muslim-majority UAE, where secularization is on the rise. This event comes shortly after the inauguration of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir in India. While Modi’s government in India blurs the lines between the state and Hindu faith and undermines minority rights, the UAE moves in the opposite direction. The UAE’s secularization, influencing Saudi Arabia as well, is a significant development in the Islamic world. This shift challenges India’s secular values. The UAE has attracted people of various religions and backgrounds to live and work there. Despite Islam being the official religion, the government allows diverse religious practices. Non-Muslims, forming a quarter of the population, have space to worship freely, with many churches, a synagogue, and a gurdwara present. Hindu gatherings and celebrations are also welcomed. The UAE’s tolerance extends beyond religion. Alcohol and pork are available, and Ramadan fasting rules are relaxed. Women have freedom in dress, and discrimination based on religion is rare. These progressive attitudes influence neighboring Saudi Arabia, where Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) is spearheading modernization efforts by reducing Islamic influence and cutting support for radical groups worldwide. This trend towards secularization in the UAE and potentially Saudi Arabia marks a significant shift in the Islamic world. For India, reduced Saudi funding for conservative mosques could lead to a return to moderate religious guidance for Indian Muslims. The UAE’s example challenges the Hindu nationalist dream of a Hindu majoritarian state, often compared to Saudi Arabia’s treatment of non-Muslims. Modi, at the temple inauguration, praised the UAE’s diversity, contrasting India’s fading secularism. As Hindu residents in UAE face this contrast, it prompts reflection on India’s trajectory. The writer, a private equity investor, emphasizes the importance of embracing diversity and secular values in both countries.

New Delhi: In the wake of growing hatred in the country since the ascendency of radical Hindutva forces, a number of areligious leaders from many faiths have united to oppose the threat of communal violence. The “Sadbhawana Sammelan” (communal amity conference) was conducted on July 6 at Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind (M) headquarters in this regard. Maulana Mahmood Madani, President of the Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind (M), organised the meeting, which was presided over by him. The leaders of various religions came together during this sammelan to stand against the spreading animosity in the nation.

Sushil G. Maharaj, National Convener of Bharatiya Sarva Dharma Sansad, Acharya Lokesh Mani, President of Ahimsa Vishwa Bharati, and well-known religious figures from the Ravi Das Samaj, Swaji Vir Singh Hatkari Maharaj, Buddhist Guru Acharya Yeshi Phon Tosk, Pastor Maurish Parker, among others, attended the Sammelan especially. They all voiced concern for the country’s current state and agreed that everyone must do their part to maintain India’s composite nationalism and common Sanskriti in today’s time. Currently, certain forces are working to sow discord throughout the country. And the peace campaigners are being ignored, therefore let’s band together to demonstrate that peace has always triumphed.

According to Sushilji Maharaj, who spoke at the event, India is now more than ever in need of such a movement because the country’s shared civilization is under attack. He expressed displeasure over the TV debate, claiming that the media had ruined society by instilling a perilous sense of communalism in the nation. He did, however, issue a warning that those who want to break the country will never succeed in their nefarious design. Everyone has a right to this India, and that right will never change. Everyone has given something up for this country. And the fact that Jamiat has existed in the country for the past 100 years and played constructive roles is evidence of this. As a result, no citizen’s loyalty can be questioned.

Mahmood Madani stated in his presidential address that “we are all assembled here because this is the essence of India. The existing state of affairs will be harmful not only to one community but also to the entire country”. In contrast to our desire for India to become a Vishwa Guru, there is a force that is preserving and defiling India’s history and identity. And those who communicate in friendly terms are becoming marginalised. He claimed that while the same approach would not be able to eradicate hatred, promoting love would. Islam and humanity forbid revenge or retaliation.

“I’m glad that religious leaders from all faiths have come together in this trying time to spread this message. We need to go out and show compassion to individuals who have been misunderstood, hated on, and used as hateful people’s tools,” Madani added.

Dharma, according to Acharya Lokesh Muni, encourages us to combine, not to separate. A master social architect, Maulana Madani Sahib can unite the entire nation. He is to deliver this message to Kashi, Ayodhya, and Ajmer, as expected.

Religion does not teach bigotry, according to Swaji Veer Singh Hatkari Maharaj, a prominent member of the Ravidas sect.

Every religious leader, according to Acharya Tosk, should work to eradicate religious prejudice. Respect for humanity ought to be universal and unrestricted.

Manpreet Singh asserted that it is improper for the media to refer to someone as a “Dharma Guru” and present him as such. In reference to Guru Nanak Ji, he claimed that we oppress in the name of Dharma even though we are not against any Dharma. Mutual love is the most crucial aspect of Dharma. There is no finer day than today because we are all connected.

The General Secretary of Jamiat, Maulana Hakeemuddin Qasmi, gave the opening comments. He said: “I have high esteem for all the participants who gave of their time to connect the hearts of people from many communities.” And that is not an easy task. All of us are willing to do anything for our nation. And we are only united by this emotion. In this country where various languages and cultures coexist, there has been communal harmony and unity for many generations. Over the past 100 years, our organisation has an illustrious history of assisting humanity. This organisation has promoted harmony and fraternity ever since it was founded.

Other speakers, such as Maulana Niaz Ahmad Farooqui, also concentrate on how to put an end to the escalating strife caused by the culture and politics of hatred.

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