16th July 2015, Mumbai
An Interfaith Iftar and Prayer Meet held on July 16th was a significant event, demonstrating the power of unity among diverse faiths. Hosted jointly by Minhaj ul Quran, Observer Research Foundation, and indialogue Foundation, the gathering brought together dignitaries representing Muslim, Hindu, Christian, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi faiths, as well as intellectuals and professionals.
Rafeeq Ahmed Khan, President of Minhaj ul Quran, introduced the recently launched Anti-Terror Curriculum authored by Dr. Muhammad Tahir ul Qadri. This curriculum holds great promise in addressing the issue of terrorism through education and awareness. Sudheendra Kulkarni, representing Observer Research Foundation, emphasized the importance of interfaith events in fostering harmony and collaboration among communities. He envisioned a path towards peace and cooperation among SAARC nations.
Oswald Cardinal Gracias acknowledged the significance of fasting as a time for reflection. He highlighted the Quran's emphasis on justice as a pivotal factor in establishing peace within society. Maulana Athar Ali called for greater involvement of scholars from the Muslim community in interfaith initiatives, recognizing the need for dialogue and cooperation among diverse religious groups.
Dr. Homi Dhalla drew attention to common global challenges such as poverty, economic injustice, and the refugee crisis. He urged humanity to transcend religious boundaries and unite in addressing these shared concerns.
Swami Sarvalokananda ji emphasized the universal nature of humanity, asserting that it is a common ground across all religions. He shared the story of Swami Vivekananda, who likened humanity's divisions to frogs in a well that fail to grasp the vastness of the sea. This allegory symbolizes the barriers that humans have constructed for themselves, hindering their ability to see the bigger picture. He called for the teachings of Swami Vivekananda to guide the building of bridges between communities.
Dr. Zahir Abbas Rizvi poignantly highlighted the tragedy of bloodshed in the name of religion. He stressed that, in times of crisis, the question of an individual's religious affiliation does not matter when they require a life-saving transfusion. This underlines the shared humanity that transcends religious boundaries.
Dr. Zahir Kazi, President of Anjuman e Islam, pointed out that Islam strictly forbids the killing of innocent civilians, even in times of war. He highlighted the commonalities between Islamic guidelines for warfare and those outlined in the Geneva Convention, emphasizing the importance of adhering to principles that protect human life.
Dr. Yaqub, representing indialogue Foundation, shared their mission to create an environment that fosters connections among individuals from diverse backgrounds. He quoted Turkish scholar Fethullah Gulen, who stressed that interfaith dialogue is not a luxury but a necessity in today's world. Dr. Yaqub underscored the urgent need for a global strategy to bring peace to society.
In essence, this Interfaith Iftar and Prayer Meet was a powerful testament to the importance of dialogue, understanding, and collaboration among faiths in fostering peace and harmony in our interconnected world. It serves as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path toward a more peaceful and inclusive future for all of humanity.
