9 Instances When Muslims Joined Hands With Hindus And Set Heart-Warming Examples

While certain political parties are busy beating ‘art’ black and blue in the name of religion and nationalism, Salman Khan’s father and India’s veteran screenwriter, Salim Khan in an interview to TOI stated, that India is the best place for Muslims to live in.

He said, “There’s no place better than India for any minority – I’d like to ask any Muslim if they’d like to live in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran or Iraq? They’d surely answer in the negative.”

It is a well-known fact that the famous Khan family of Mumbai celebrates Hindu festivals with utmost zest.

And this statement of  Salim Khan got us thinking of the many instances where Muslims of India proved that they are first Indians, who harbour utmost respect for their Hindu brothers.

1. They made way for the Ganpati procession in Mumbai

And Hindus carried out the procession, silently, to let their Muslim brothers conclude their Friday afternoon Namaaz in peace.

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2. They joined hands with Hindus to renovate a temple in Kashmir

As per a report published in 2009, with the help of local Muslims, Shiv Ji Temple Welfare Committee (STWC) decided to renovate a dilapidated and abandoned ‘Bod Mandir’ in Srinagar city, which some people believe, was burnt down by the militants in early 90s.

And what’s amazing is the enthusiasm they worked with to help their Hindu brothers.

In an interview to ANI, a local Muslim, Mohammad Aslam was quoted as saying,

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3. They donated land for the proposed construction of “world’s largest Hindu temple” in Bihar

According to Acharya Kishore Kunal, the secretary of Mahavir Mandir Trust, over three dozen Muslim families have land in the area where the proposed construction was set to begin. It wouldn’t have been possible to work towards making this big plan a reality if it weren’t for their generous contribution. While some Muslims donated their land, there were others who supported the trust to purchase their land for the temple construction.

Quick fact: The Virat Ramayan Mandir in Kesaria, Bihar, when fully constructed, will be almost double the height of Angkor Wat temple complex in Cambodia.

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4. They joined Hindus in pulling the chariots of Hindu deities during the Ratha Yatra festival

Muslims in Kendrapara, Odisha, take part in annual Ratha Yatra. Not only do they enjoy witnessing the festival, they also, in complete enthusiasm, help Hindus in pulling the chariots.

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5.  A Mosque in Kerala pays homage to an 18th-century Hindu soldier who was buried there

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Kunhelu, a Hindu soldier, fought a battle against a Kozhikode minister nearly 290 years ago, along with his 43 Muslim brothers.

They fought against Varakkal Para Nambi army over tax collection dispute. Nambi had set the mosque (Valiyangadi Jumammasjid) ablaze. The issue, however, was eventually resolved when Nambi himself not only rebuilt the demolished mosque but also brought back the Muslim families that fled the Malappuram area out of fear.

Today, the mosque stands tall as a major religious centre that harbours an exceptional example of communal harmony. Kunhelu is considered a local hero here and till date, his grave is offered special prayers.

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6. When a 12-year-old Maryam Siddiqui emerged a winner in ‘Gita Champions League’

Out of 3,000 participants who participated in the ‘Gita Champions League’ organised by Iskcon, Maryam bagged the highest score. Now while we are in awe of the intelligence levels of this genius, what touched the nation was the pure and wise heart of this young girl that put the haters to shame, when she hailed humanity as the most important religion.

Maryam was quoted as saying,

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7. Muslims make arrangements at the annual Mata Kheer Bhawani fair in J&K

It is an annual fair held in Ganderbal district of Central Kashmir and attracts a throng of devotees, which constitutes a large number of displaced Kashmiri Hindus. But, what is truly heart-warming here is to note the heavy participation of Muslims who make all the arrangements for their visiting Hindu brethren.

Certain Hindu families who were visiting the state for the first time since they were displaced in 1989 were so overwhelmed by the kind gesture of the local Muslims, it reflected in their eyes.

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8. They postponed Eid festivities in Lonad for Hindu festival Varkari

The Muslims of a small district (Lonad) in Maharashtra, decided to bring in the Eid festivities on 19th July instead of the original 18th July. This was done in respect of the Hindu festival, Varkari, which clashed with Eid on the 18th. Animal sacrifice is a highlight of Eid celebrations, but not something that blends well with the Vaishnavi traditions of Varkari. Being mindful of this, the members of Muslim community in the district postponed their celebrations to the next day.

Hindus of the region, in lieu, held special programs in appreciation of the Muslims’ goodwill gesture.

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9. A Muslim from Chattisgarh has been in-charge of Durga Puja festivities for 23 years

Since 1992, a 50-year-old Sheikh Salim Niyariya has been setting an example of communal harmony in Handi Chowk area of Raigarh, Chattisgarh, by managing the “Handi Chowk Durga Committee”.

What’s more? He initiated the festivities by installing the Goddess’s idol and also the process of immersion of the idol in waters, on the ninth day of the Durga Puja celebrations.

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The idea is not merely to bring under the spotlight the real instances where one religion helped another and revived the lost hope in the notions of equality and tranquillity. It is to share the thought that regardless of how intolerant some of us continue to grow, humanity will always stand tall above divides.

We have to live under the same sky and on the same soil until death dawns upon, then why not live in peace and love? Because humanity is after all, how the wise have said, the only religion there exists.

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