Nagpur: In a remarkable effort to foster interfaith harmony, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) organized a mosque introduction program at the historic Sadar Jama Masjid on Sunday. The event welcomed 25 invitees, including delegates from the Philippines, Indonesia, Timor, Myanmar, and Nepal, providing them with a first-hand experience of Islamic traditions and practices.
English professor Mohammad Ayub Khan elaborated on the significance of the azan, namaaz, and kalma, explaining the purpose of offering prayers five times a day. Many attendees, visiting a mosque for the first time, found the experience enlightening. Tejal, one of the invitees, emphasized the need for understanding before forming opinions. Another participant, Kapil, observed, “These prayers help us overcome our weaknesses. Gods and gurus have always preached harmony and brotherhood.”
Rasna Rawal, a US-based Google employee, reflected on her past interactions with Islam during her school days, highlighting how religion serves as a guide for better living. Nitin Ganvir, an auditor at Indora Buddha Vihar, noted similarities between various faiths, stating that Panchsheel in Buddhism and namaaz in Islam both aim for inner peace.
A namaaz demonstration was conducted by 10-year-old hafiz Abdullah Abdul Mukeet, offering attendees a deeper insight into Islamic worship. JIH media secretary Dr. MA Rasheed also shed light on the mosque’s humanitarian initiatives, including summer water distribution, COVID-19 relief efforts, and providing daily iftar for 250 individuals during Ramzan.
