If you destroy our temples, we will break your mosques,
If you throw stones at us, we will answer with rocks,
If you kill a hundred, we can kill thousands of yours,
Can we ever respect each other, as we discussed in the peace talks?
This is how the nation feels, when we talk about Hindu and Muslim relationships. The negative side comes up very fast and is always in the news. But, a group of Muslims in Hyderabad made sure that they are in the news for the good reasons.
The Arab Gourakshana Samithi (AGS) from Barkas, located in the outskirts of Hyderabad have vowed to save cows from being slaughtered during the upcoming Bakri Id. The president of the group signifies this initiative as a step towards communal harmony. He opines that it is very important to have religious brotherhood for a nation to survive. He added that we must respect each other’s sentiments. (Source: Hyderabad Muslim group vows to protect cows)
According to them, a hadith, which is considered sacred by the Muslims as it is the sayings of Prophet Muhammad, mentions that beef is harmful for health. They are around 200 people, who have joined the cause. The group feels that this small gesture will really mean a lot for the people of both the religious groups.
Where there is good, there will be evil, lurking behind. Obviously, there is another Muslim group, who criticizes this action and mentions that the hadith, which is being quoted is outside the six main hadiths, that are considered to be primary, and is weak. So, they completely annulled their claim and also feels that this might be a Hindu propaganda to ‘saffronize’ their religion.
India is a land of diversity. Well, if diversity leads to division, it is sometimes better to accept each other’s beliefs and respect them. India is a home to millions of Muslims and despite our differences, Hindu and Muslims have lived side by side for ages.
But, still we are torn at heart. There is a huge gap, which keeps getting wider. But, a small action from some people from a small place in some corner of India, can be a small step towards reducing that gap, and a big leap for brotherhood and humanity.
I believe, these people will succeed in fulfilling their vows, in whichever small way possible, because God is not divided, He will surely respect their thoughts.
I guess, it is time that common people like us take small steps forward to bring our hearts together, rather than waiting for leaders to dictate what to do. If the common man can come together, then it will be a bigger force than anything. Yes, there will be hurdles and obstacles, but it is time we understand the true meaning of, ‘united we stand, divided we fall’, once again.
Respecting each other’s beliefs is one of the most important things. However, we should also stand against whatever is wrong for humanity. We need to support each other, but not the extremities, which are shameful and degrading. We need to stand by each other, but not to create a society of wrongs, but to uplift the essence of mankind to a new level. It is time to celebrate the true festivities of different religion and make it enjoyable for all.
It is time to join hand in hand to sing the tunes of ‘Into the heaven of freedom, My Father, Let me country awake.’
Note: Image is only for representational purposes.
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