The divisive forces are out in open, with full fury to target the Ganga Jamuni Tahzeeb, the civilization developed in India by Hindus and Muslims together. This is based on mutual trust, appreciation and cooperation. There can’t be a better place than Allahabad or Prayagraj to see it in practice. Because it is the place where the two major rivers Ganga and Jamuna meet and flow towards the Indian ocean.
But it is a tragedy that the same confluence of these lifegiving rivers was selected to target the Ganga Jamuni Tahzeeb and thus tarnish the image of our great country. The negative efforts have been redoubled by the politicians whose single aim is to enhance their grip on power.
The world famous Kumbh Mela was organised as MahaKumbhthis year was a ‘Hindus Only’ event. The Muslims were barred from entering it. No Muslim shop was allowed in this mela. Even Muslim salesmen of Hindu employers were also barred. More than this in the adjoining areas Muslims were asked to close their shops. The Muslims have been made the new Malichas. If a car with Hindu devotees was moving towards Kumbh with a Muslim driver, they were told that there is no guarantee for a Muslim driver.
But Providence wanted something else. There were stampedes in two or three places. These happened on the night of Mauni Amavasya. The stampedes happened because the votaries of the VIP culture tried to give preference to VIPs and neglected the convenience of common people. It caused confusion, disruption and stampedes. According to official figures at least 60 lives of devotees were lost and countless persons were injured, some very seriously.
That cold foggy night was not less than a nightmare. People were running helter-skelter. Their belongings, clothes and bags were lost and a very precarious situation developed. The pilgrims had to run helter-skelter to save their lives.
The traumatized pilgrims ran from the Sangam to Allahabad city areas. Many abandoned their pilgrimage and moved towards railway station and bus stand. They had to cross many Muslim Mohallas like Chowk,Roshan Bagh, Khuldabad, Bahadurganj, NakhasKohna, etc.
The Muslims of those mohallasresponded to the call of conscience and welcomed these pilgrims with open arms and big hearts. They provided food, clothes, blankets and other requirements. They opened their, mosques, imambadas, dargahs, schoolsand even the doors of their houses. One important requirement was toilets which were also made available. Reports have revealed that in the extremely cold and trouble-filled night more than 25,000 to 50,000 pilgrims were accommodated and all their requirements were provided.
This is a glimpse of the Ganga Jamuni Tahzeeb which was at work on the confluence of Ganga and Jamuna. This is what India needs and what can save India’s future. This gives us hope that the forces of hate will finally fail and the noble spirit of kindness, mercy and large-heartedness will prevail.
Politics is the last resort of scoundrels and love and mercy are the most precious qualities of good citizens.
Dear Muslims and other citizens of India! don’t lose heart. Inculcate the spirit of Islamic teachings. Never forget the advice of the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ that the whole creation is the family of Allah, and the best believer is one who is kind towards Allah’s family.” This is the most important weapon to fight Satan which spreads hate, ill will and enmity among the servants of God, which all of us are, Hindus, Muslims, Christians and all others. Let me end this editorial with a heart-warming couplet of Ameer Meenai of Delhi.Khanjar chalekisipeytadaptehain hum Ameer/ sarejahan ka dardhamarejigarmeinhai(“If a dagger strikes someone, we feel the pain, O Amir / The pain of the entire world resides in our hearts.”)