Ganga-Jamuna ‘tehzeeb’ lives on in Uttar Pradesh

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Lucknow, Oct 21 (IANS) Amid small and big communal flashpoints, Hindu-Muslim harmony in Uttar Pradesh, widely called the “Ganga-Jamuna tehzeeb”, is still alive in the country’s most populous state.

It may be difficult to believe but a leading Muslim cleric recited Hindu ‘shlokas’ (hymns) during the ongoing Moharram here.

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And Muslims came out in large numbers in Allahabad to tell officials that they would not immerse their ‘tazias’ in the Ganga — since immersion of Hindu idols had been banned for environmental reasons.

Last week, in Lucknow, an event was held to spread the need for communal harmony by showcasing why Hindus considered the cow holy.

Milk from the cows was offered to clerics on the occasion. Moved by the do, eminent cleric Maulana Khalid Rashid Farangi Mahali urged people from his community to avoid beef as it hurt the sentiments of Hindus.

The cleric publicly exhorted Muslims to be alive to the sensitivities of people from all religions.

Also in Allahabad, Muslims have decided not to take out the Moharaam procession on Friday as the date coincides with the famous ‘Bharat Milap Yatra’ in the city.

Since the route and date of the Ramdal at Bharat Milap and ‘Mehndi’ coincided, officials were obviously jittery.

But seniors from both communities sat down to thrash out an amicable solution. Muslims decided to withdraw the the procession of ‘Masoom Ali Asgar ke Jhoole’ so that the Bharat Milaap could go ahead unhindered.

Allahabad’s Senior Superintendent of Police K.S. Emanuel is full of praise for the Muslim community, and says the decision has paved the way for stronger communal harmony.

In Lucknow, Shamsi Tahrani, who was in the city to address a gathering of Muslims during Moharram, stunned many by reciting a Sanskrit ‘shloka’ while talking to the faithful.

These little known instances are taking place at a time when much of Uttar Pradesh became charged after a Hindu mob lynched a Muslim man on charges that he ate beef. The man’s son was seriously injured in the attack.

The distraught family denied the allegation, saying the victim only consumed mutton.

As the incident drew widespread condemnation, with well known writers returning their awards over the growing cases of intolerance, Prime Minister Narendra Modi pulled up senior party colleagues who had made vitriolic or communally charged statements.


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2 Comments

  1. If the Muslims give up beef eating in India and facilitate building of Ram Temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya, the Congress is really happy, for it would reduce the polarization of Hindu votes in favour of the RSS, which in turn would certainly reduce the indiscriminate Hindu Militancy. It is good for the nation and for the well being, peaceful co-existence of Indians with peace and tranquility and allow all-round progress and development. It may bring the Kashmiri Muslims to the main stream.

    This may bring India and Pakistan closer and reduce mutual mistrust and conflict, reducing huge defense expenditure enabling required funds for uplifting of all citizens of both the countries.

  2. Proud of my muslim & hindu brothers! This is the only way we can ensure better future for our next generation.

    Lets take initiative from each side to show how large hearted we are. If we are divided very few people benefit. If we are united we all benefit. I have so many Muslim friends from childhood I can’t think bad for them and vice versa.

    Lets be selfish and make sure we and our next generation live in peace, stability and happiness.

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