Islam, Hinduism, and Beyond: India’s Legacy of Peaceful Coexistence

By Dr. Khwaja Iftikhar Ahmad, Tr. New Age Islam 20 November 2024 India: A Beacon of Unity in Diversity Main Points: 1. Unity in Diversity: India’s uniqueness lies in its ability to unite diverse cultures, religions, and ideologies, fostering peaceful coexistence among Hinduism, Islam, Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, and more. 2. Historical Significance of India: India is the birthplace of humanity, where Prophet Adam and Eve first lived, and the origin of key religious and cultural movements like Islam, Sanatan Dharma, Buddhism, and Jainism. 3. Islam’s Role in India: Islam’s peaceful introduction to India is highlighted, with Muslim traders establishing the first mosque during Prophet’s time. It emphasizes the peaceful coexistence of Muslims, Hindus, and other religious communities. 4. Modern India’s Global Role: India’s growing global influence is highlighted, with the largest Muslim population, a central role in the global economy, and a significant presence in international services, particularly in the Gulf and developed countries. ----- Our beloved homeland, India, is a name that represents a unique unity on Earth. If we were to describe it as a bouquet, and base its definition and explanation on this, we would certainly encounter some facts that are often overlooked. It is essential that the unity of this land, which has emerged as a living example of collective pride, shines like a lamp whose light guides the way for others. Regional and global unities, the surrounding civilizations, cultures, societies, thought and philosophy of life, politics, and governance—indeed, no aspect of life remains unaffected by the thoughts and ideologies originating from this land of ours, India. What is it about this India, called Bharat, which makes it unique? The honour of being the first to take the first step of humanity on Earth belongs to this land. The first human, Prophet Adam (peace be upon him), and the first of the 124,000 Prophets, were sent to this Earth by Allah Almighty. This reveals that the origin, growth, development, and beautification of human life, including language, relationships, and all aspects of life, began here. Not only that, but the first woman, Eve (Hawwa peace be upon her), the first wife, the first mother, and the birth of the first child of Adam (peace be upon him) also took place on this very land. This is why the majority of Hindus call India their eternal and divine land, "Sanatan Bhumi." Thus, we understand that the journeys of Islam and Sanatan (Hinduism) both began from this land, from the same family, and the same parents. Over time, differences in beliefs and ideologies began, leading to the emergence of contrasting philosophies and conflicting ideologies, but that is a separate discussion for another time. The Messenger of Allah, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), did not say this by chance: "The wind of heaven from the land of India reach me." This statement has two purposes: one is the creation of Adam on this land, and the other is the acceptance of Islam in this region with great enthusiasm. Today, if we combine the populations of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka (which were once all part of India, and where Prophet Adam was sent), the total population comes to 185 crore (1.85 billion), which includes approximately 70 crore Muslims, 100 crore Hindus, and others of different religions. In practice, India today is the country with the largest Muslim population in the world. The way Islam spread here, and continues to spread, is nothing short of miraculous. Furthermore, Zoroastrians, who were persecuted in Iran, found refuge in India. Though small in number, the Parsi community holds significant influence, surpassing even Muslims in some respects. When Jews faced persecution, it was this land that first offered them sanctuary, followed by the Arabs and Ottomans. The birthplace of Mahatma Buddha and the origins of Buddhism are in India. Likewise, the birthplace of Mahavir Jain and Jainism is in India. The Sikh faith, the Khalsa Panth, also originated here, as did the Bahá'í faith. Islam made its appearance in India during the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Muslim traders established the first mosque during his time, built by followers of Sanatan Dharma. There is no other instance like this. The honour of Islam coming here, establishing its roots, and being spread by the local Sanatan Dharma followers is unique to this land. Today, in this region, there are millions of followers of Tawhid (the oneness of God), lovers of the Prophet, and devotees of Ahl al-Bayt, living with dignity as equal citizens. Moving forward, the paths of Sufism, mysticism, and the Bhakti movement have been intertwined. The famous poet Hazrat Amir Khusro, who was beloved to a nation that worships 33 crore gods and goddesses, wrote of this land where the sound of "La ilaha illallah" (There is no god but Allah) echoes from five lakh mosques. This land became the centre of Islamic preaching, where large gatherings were held, and Islamic missionary groups travelled the country. The Jamaat-e-Islami, advocating for an Islamic government, also established its headquarters here. All Islamic sects practice their beliefs freely and peacefully, without conflict. The salaries of imams, the preservation of Islamic seminaries, and the support for educational institutions like Aligarh University have all been upheld by the Supreme Court of India. There are numerous examples that stand as evidence of this peaceful coexistence. Every political ideology, culture, language, civilization, and tradition has been welcomed in India for centuries. Contrasting views have flourished in an environment of freedom. Countless festivals, events, and diverse customs have thrived here without any conflict. Even those who believe in God and those who deny His existence have coexisted peacefully on the foundation of mutual respect and coexistence. After so much internal division, the lack of significant conflict is nothing short of a miracle. If I speak specifically about the Muslims of India, even though Muslim rulers may not have been of Indian descent but were Arabs, Iranians, Mongols, Turks, Mughals, or Afghans, they were nonetheless Muslims. Indian Muslims maintain a connection to these rulers with pride and consider it an essential part of their identity. Even when a time came when power seemed to shift towards the majority, a large group of the Muslim elite called for a separate homeland and succeeded in establishing Pakistan. However, the story doesn't end there. Nearly half the Muslim population, who lived as minorities in Hindu-majority states, was sacrificed for the creation of Pakistan. Yet, the presence of such a large Muslim population in India, coexisting peacefully with the majority, enjoying equal rights, privileges, and access to all positions of power, is something that no Muslim-majority country has managed with its minorities. During 800 years of Muslim rule, there were many examples of cooperation. Even in the face of opposition, Muslim generals and their forces fought alongside others. There is no comparable instance of betrayal like that of Mir Sadiq and Mir Jafar. But here in India, despite all these differences, everything continues with some complaints, but no serious disruptions. Today, India is the largest unity in terms of population. One in every five people in the world is Indian. Over two crore Indians around the world provide services at every level based on their professional expertise. The largest group, nearly one crore, is in the Gulf countries. In the developed world, our experts are making an impact in every field through their knowledge, skill, and research. India today holds a central position in the global economy and will soon be a permanent member of the United Nations. With the fastest-growing economy, India is on its way to becoming the third-largest economy in the world. In the end, I would like to say to our beloved homeland, India, and to all its citizens, leaders, those in power, civilized society, media, and voluntary organizations, that the greatness, dignity, identity, and uniqueness of this bouquet lie in the principle of unity in diversity and the ethics that have emerged from it, which this land is known for. Let us seek within our conscience the flaws and transgressions that have led to sectarianism, religious hatred, violence, and extremism—destructive and self-destructive ailments that seek to grip this beloved homeland. But rest assured, the conscience is still alive. This soil has enough strength to prevent its essence from falling apart. Insha Allah! Everything is in the protection of Allah. ------ November 15, 2024, Courtesy: Inquilab, New Delhi (Translated into English by Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi, New Age Islam) Urdu Article: ہندوستان : ایک منفرد وحدت URL: https://www.newageislam.com/interfaith-dialogue/islam-hinduism-india-peaceful-coexistence/d/133763 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism