Communal harmony and peaceful co-existence

Communal harmony and peaceful co-existence

Holy Quran and Prophet exhort Muslims for peaceful co-existence with followers of other religions and sacrifice for motherland besides shunning violence 

Holy Quran has specifically prescribed the ways of living for Muslims living in non-Muslim areas besides elaborating on their behavior while dealing and interacting with non-Muslims in the society. Taking example of the life of Prophet Yusuf, as mentioned in Quran, the first moral obligation of Muslims living in a society which provides them security, trust, freedom and a favourable way of life, is to reciprocate with their neighbors of other religious faiths in the same manner and to never indulge in any act which is detrimental to the trust bestowed upon them by the society. Secondly, even if instances of injustice and misbehavior towards Muslims surface, they should follow the right path with trust in the law of land and should never be swayed or provoked with negative thoughts and should not indulge in unlawful acts. It has been stressed that the brain/ intellect provided to humans by Allah are to be used for development and betterment of humanity and human race. Thirdly, it is also an important duty of a true Muslim to pay respect to elders, follow the established laws of the land and be constructive to the system. They should use their resources and ability for betterment of the society. This is the utmost responsibility & duty of a true Muslim to spread Islam in a peaceful manner without hurting the sentiments of the members of other communities.

Moreover, holy Quran terms any kind of violence as un-Islamic and stresses upon protection of integrity and unity of the nation. Prophet Mohammad himself directed that no man has the right to hurt fellow human beings, as Allah ensured that the damage caused by hurting others would be proportionate to the damage one would receive. He adores forgivers. Prophet Mohammad granted clemency even to the prisoners of war in Mecca. He never supported the killing of innocents. 

India, a country with divergent religious faiths, custom, culture, dress and food has a rich tradition of peaceful co-existence and sacrifice for the country by the people belonging to different religions. True growth of the country is possible only when communal harmony, brotherhood and tranquility become a commitment for all, whether belonging to the Minority or the Majority communities.

It is pertinent to quote lines from Allama Iqbal : 

‘Hindi Hai Hum Watan Hai Hindustan Hamara, Sare Jahan Se Achha Hindustan Hamara’.