New Delhi, July 17: Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) has embarked on a significant nationwide initiative aimed at promoting communal harmony and strengthening interfaith relations in India. The organization recently convened a pivotal two-day national coordinators meeting at its headquarters, outlining comprehensive plans to combat communalism, enhance democratic values, and advance social justice.
During the meeting, JIH Vice President Prof. Mohammad Salim Engineer introduced the newly established Communal Harmony Department, emphasizing its ambitious goals.
“Our objective is to champion social justice in India and actively address societal ills such as casteism, bigotry, moral degradation, and the marginalization of women,” Prof. Salim declared.
The Communal Harmony Department will operate at both central and state levels, focusing on maintaining peace, eliminating hatred, discrimination, and communal violence. Prof. Salim stressed the importance of reinforcing civil society networks to collectively promote peace, justice, and fairness across all segments of society.
A pivotal component of the initiative is the establishment of the Sadbhavna Manch at the grassroots level. This forum aims to foster an environment of love, harmony, and mutual cooperation in communities nationwide.
“Sadbhavna Manch will facilitate dialogue and understanding among people from diverse backgrounds, addressing shared concerns,” explained the JIH leader.
Key objectives of Sadbhavna Manch include encouraging intermingling to promote harmony, seeking cooperation across society to combat recognized social evils, dispelling misconceptions about different communities, supporting marginalized groups, and educating people about constitutional guarantees of cultural and religious freedom. The initiative also aims to promote mutual tolerance through collaboration with various social organizations and collectively address emergencies or instances of communal discord.
Emphasizing a strictly non-political stance and refraining from religious propagation, Prof. Salim reaffirmed the platform’s commitment to upholding the foundational values of the Indian Constitution: equality, justice, liberty, and fraternity.
To bolster these efforts, JIH has established the Dharmik Jan Morcha at central and state levels. This interfaith coalition brings together religious leaders and scholars to foster communal harmony and tackle common social challenges. Additionally, the Forum for Democracy and Communal Amity (FDCA) has been running to promote democratic values and cultivate a value-driven society in collaboration with cultural entities nationwide.
Addressing the gathering, JIH Vice President Malik Moatasim Khan underscored the universal significance of communal harmony, asserting, “Communal harmony is a fundamental human need and an essential Islamic teaching, transcending regional, communal, and religious boundaries.”
He highlighted India’s rich diversity, emphasizing the urgent need for mutual understanding and cooperation among its various communities.
Renowned Christian leader Dr. M.D. Thomas, Director of the Institute of Harmony and Peace Studies, delivered a compelling address on the importance of interfaith dialogue. He challenged misconceptions that such dialogues weaken faith, arguing instead that they enrich one’s understanding of religion and humanity.
Dr. Thomas drew from extensive interfaith engagement to highlight the need for a broadened perspective on faith and life, cautioning against insular approaches. Quoting a Qur’ānic verse, he emphasized the divine intent behind human diversity: to foster understanding and unity among nations and tribes.
The meeting also featured presentations on successful Sadbhavna Manch initiatives from various states, showcasing their impact and providing insights for replication across India. JIH leaders expressed optimism about these platforms bridging societal divides and fostering genuine understanding among diverse communities, aligning with the constitutional ideals of equality, justice, liberty, and fraternity.
This initiative marks a significant stride towards nurturing communal harmony and interfaith cooperation in India, setting a precedent for inclusive community development and peaceful coexistence.
