Coimbatore: In a significant gesture of goodwill and interfaith dialogue, seminarians from the Good Shepherd Seminary visited the Masjid Al Ehsan in Karumbukkadai, Coimbatore. Organized by Fr. Wilson, Director of Divyodaya Inter-Religious Centre, the visit aimed to foster understanding among different faiths.
Led by Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) executives, including President P.S. Umar Farook and Public Relations Secretary Abdul Hakkim, the event welcomed the priests to observe the Asar namaz (evening prayers) and engage with the mosque’s Chief Imam, Moulana Moulavi Mohammed Ismail Imdhadhi. The Imam addressed a range of questions from the visiting priests, deepening their understanding of Islamic practices and values.
This initiative aligns with JIH’s broader mission of promoting communal harmony. The organization, which has been active for over 80 years, not only focuses on interfaith outreach but also provides essential services, such as mobile medical units and vocational training for women.
The seminarians, who come from diverse backgrounds, highlighted the importance of coexistence as emphasized by spiritual leaders like Swami Vivekananda. The visit reinforces Divyodaya’s motto: “The bonds are stronger than the barriers that separate us.”
As a token of goodwill, the priests received copies of the Holy Quran and literature on Islam, further symbolizing the spirit of mutual respect and understanding. JIH’s ongoing commitment to communal harmony includes initiatives such as annual peace marches and educational outreach to students, promoting visits to various places of worship.
Balakrishnan, a local leader, commended these efforts, noting that JIH sets an example for other organizations to follow in building bridges between communities. This visit marks a meaningful step towards fostering dialogue and respect among diverse faiths in the region.
