There are countless positive things in India for which we should thank Allah: our population, diversity, long star-studded past, chequered history and rich contribution to the world. We can be thankful for the fact that India has been a country which welcomed different caravans of human race from a number of lands. This country welcomed all these divergent communities with open arms, and all of them enriched the diversity of this country.
We foresee a bright future for the largest concentration of humanity on earth. If we positively continue our journey, we can be sure of being one of the richest countries in terms of moral and material contribution to humanity. But we must remember that nations become great when they are morally upright. At present there is a struggle between different views of life and concepts of what is right and what is wrong.
One inherent defect India suffers from is polytheistic concept. If we go to the ancient times of the Vedas, say some three to four thousand years back, there was a plenty of Tawheed (the concept of One Creator who alone should be adored and worshipped). But later on polytheistic and mythological concepts became dominant. It gave room to the evils of superstition and a number of other social evils which divided people in castes and opened the doors of mutual hatred and social conflicts.
Fourteen hundred years ago, when the last Messenger of God, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ brought the Holy Quran, the Book of God, and later on its standard bearers introduced Islamic teachings, it was like a fresh breath of air. It introduced the concepts of One God and one humanity. Furthermore, Islam struck at the very roots of superstitious beliefs, customs, untouchability and discrimination against fellow humans. Yet, owing to many explained and unexplained reasons, Islam could not succeed in changing the things completely. This is the basic task which remains to be done and no one can predict when it may be completed.
In spite of great difficulties, misunderstandings and negative propaganda, the Muslims, heart within and God overhead, must try to present Islam through their character and humane activities. For this intercommunity understanding and peaceful atmosphere is very important.
Certain negative forces and political formulations are hell bent on spreading misunderstandings, ill will and rancour in the country. Our response must be cool, calculated, humane and based on respect, empathy and sympathy. This is the attitude which had been adopted by the Messenger of God. Evil should be repelled with good, and hate be countered with love.
For this a change of heart on the part of 20 crore Muslim citizens of India is a must. It is not a political project but in essence a humane and love-filled endeavour to win the hearts of fellow citizens.
Unfortunately some selfish and wrong thinking elements are bent upon spreading hate and poisoning the minds. These are the strongest impediments to the path of Godliness. But, in Sha Allah, our sincerity, our kindness and our true love for our fellow citizens, and assured help from God will pave the way. Our sincere efforts will open the doors of hearts and shrink the shadows of hate and violence and lead the country towards truth, peace, prosperity and salvation.