India is an inclusive country where all religions try to live in harmony. There are a few instances that prove otherwise, but we still have people who continue to respect each other's religion. There is a false notion in our country that Hindus and Muslims don't get along well. History suggests there has been indifference between them, but time and again we come across incidents that showcase the harmony between these two communities. From celebrating Diwali and Eid together to a Muslim man taking care of a Hindu temple, these heartwarming incidents set an example of communal harmony and tolerance.
Setting an example of communal harmony and tolerance, Muslims residents at Nanoor in Birbhum district came forward to construct a Kali temple which had to be demolished for widening a village road two years ago.
According to a HT report, the temple, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali, was inaugurated amid Kali Puja revelry in Basapara, located in the Nanoor area, 160 km from the capital city of Kolkata. Neighbours collected funds, bought a plot and started constructing the temple so that the puja of the goddess can be organised this year.
Muslims joined the drive to raise funds and, in fact, ended up collecting Rs 7 lakh of the total Rs 10 lakh that was spent to rebuild the temple at a new site, reports HT.
It was a late evening, when the sound of 'Namaz' and 'Chaupais', fell in people's ears, together. While Ramlila was happening at the Lat Bhairav Mandir, Muslims were offering Namaz at the adjoining Lat Masjid.
Lat Madir - Amar Ujala
This harmonious practice has been continuing for over three centuries and completed 350 years this year. Both the mandir and the masjid are located in close proximity.
Spreading the message of communal harmony, on Durga Puja last month, a four-year-old Muslim girl was worshipped as Kumari. Kumari is a ritual that takes place on Maha Ashtami, the eighth day of Durga Puja, where a girl is worshipped as a goddess.
Representational Image - AFP
This year in the Kumari Puja, the Duttas have done what a lot of people might hesitate to do. Fatima, daughter of a grocery store owner - Muhammad Tahir - near Fatehpur Sikri in Agra, and Bushra Bibi, was worshipped in the house of Dutta¡¯s of Baguiati in Kolkata¡¯s north east fringes.
A Muslim man earned praise after he seen preparing the effigies to be used on the occasion that is majorly celebrated across India to mark the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana, the demon king of Lanka.
Jafar Ali, who hails from nearby Mathura said that his family has been doing this work for the past three generations and is an example of communal harmony and brotherhood in the country.
"Our family has been for generations making the Ravana effigy. We do it to show Hindu-Muslim unity. Yes, we are Muslim but we do it," Ali told news agency ANI.
A Muslim man taking care of a Hindu temple is testament to the existing Hindu-Muslim harmony in our country. Rahman (73), like his forefathers, continues to sweep the Burha Gosair Than shrine every morning and lights candles for Shiva. "Before me, my father used to do this work and his father before him. Our family has been the keepers of this holy place for the past 500 years," the 73-year old told news agency AFP.
AFP
Three Muslim brothers in Gujarat embraced Hindu customs for a day in order to cremate their father's dear friend of four decades, who was a Brahmin. Brothers Abu, Naseer and Zuber Qureshi are daily wage labourers who are deeply religious - they offer namaz five times a day and have never skipped a Ramzan fast.
Times Of India
When their uncle passed away - one who had been living with them for years - they decided to cremate him the proper Hindu way. To do the same, they donned Dhoti and Janeu (sacred thread Hindu's wear).
Divisive forces might not look upon this kindly, but their gesture was heartfelt.