The Inter-Religious Solidarity Council (IRSC), Mumbai, a platform for faith leaders, has expressed its deep concern and strongly condemned the recent blasphemous and derogatory remarks against Prophet Muhammad ﷺ made by Ramgiri Maharaj at an event in Shah Panchale village in Sinnar Taluka, Nasik district, in August 2024. Yati Narsinghanand made blasphemous remarks against the Prophet during his speech in Ghaziabad on September 29.
“Both these leaders masquerade as religious leaders, who have hurt religious feelings of the followers of other faiths. We remind ourselves that no religion teaches us to disrespect other faiths,” ISRC said.
“As faith leaders and members of Inter-Religious Solidarity Council, we take a decisive step away from such statements and urge our peers to do the same. It is crucial to remember that both India’s Constitution and her pluralistic culture assure equal freedom and respect for all religions. Indeed, every faith tradition preaches solidarity with other communities and people, and the interfaith golden rule reminds us of the importance of treating others as we ourselves would wish to be treated.”
IRSC has urged leaders from all faith communities and citizens to voice their objections when such instances of hatemongering occur and help the state ensure that there is no blatant disrespect of gods, icons, saints, symbols, scriptures, or philosophies of any faith. The ideal of sarva dharma sambhava can only be achieved when there is equal acceptance of all religions.
