In a display of communal harmony, a group of Muslim men joined Hindus to perform the last rites of 40-year-old vegetable vendor Raju, who died of a heart attack in Haridwar on Monday.
It was reported that Raju's son is 10 and too young to perform the rites when only a maximum of 20 people can participate in the funeral of the deceased.?
When Raju, who was from Bijnor in Uttar Pradesh, breathed his last earlier this week, people from both communities came forward to ensure dignified last rites for the departed soul.?
Those who attended the funeral included Aabad Qureshi, Israr Mansuri, Aftab , Dilshad, and Nadim Qureshi, Hindustan Times reported. Nadim, who fasting, collected material for rituals with the help of Raju¡¯s Hindu relatives and performed the last honors.??
Also read:?Muslim Men Cremate 60 Hindu COVID Victims As Families Miss Funerals In Fear Of Getting Infected
¡°Covid pandemic is also giving the message that religion or sect is nothing but humanity. Every person irrespective of his faith is getting affected and we decided to lend support to the affected family. Allah or Ishwar is one. We just did what the almighty teaches us... help needy whether he seeks help or not,¡± Aabad Qureshi told HT.??
Local residents said that this is the perfect example of our composite culture, and such gestures only send a positive message that will enhance communal harmony.?
Amid a mounting COVID-19 crisis, many such examples have come to light proving humanity indeed is the ultimate religion. Last week,? a 70-year-old Hindu woman's last rites were performed by a Muslim man after?no one claimed her body following her death due to coronavirus.
These difficult times are bringing the best out of people. At a time when there is an air of desperation, grief and fear, such acts are giving much needed hope to people.?