Syed Zainul Abedin, the chief of Ajmer Dargah, has emphasized the need for an amicable resolution to the disputes surrounding Varanasi’s Gyanvapi mosque and Mathura’s Shahi Idgah mosque. Speaking at the “Paigam-e-Mohabbat Hum Sab Ka Bharat” conference organized by the Rajasthan unit of All India Sufi Sajjadanshin Council, Abedin suggested that disputes should be settled outside the courts through mutual consent.
Abedin lauded India’s positive role in fostering global peace, attributing it to the country’s commitment to the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which translates to “the world is one family.” He stressed the importance of addressing internal issues peacefully without resorting to legal battles, emphasizing the need for proactive initiatives.
Expressing concern over the misleading information circulating about the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), Abedin clarified that Indian Muslims are not affected by the law. After a detailed analysis of the CAA’s provisions, he asserted that it is designed to benefit persecuted minority immigrants from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Abedin reassured that the law does not pose a threat to the citizenship of Indian Muslims, as there is no such provision in the legislation.
Abedin urged the Muslim community to gain a nuanced understanding of the CAA, encouraging them to look beyond misinformation and comprehend the actual implications of the law. He emphasized the importance of dispelling misconceptions and promoting a factual understanding to foster unity and harmony.
In the ongoing disputes over Gyanvapi and Mathura mosques, the Hindu side contends that the structures were built by the Mughals after demolishing Hindu temples. Abedin’s call for an amicable resolution aligns with the broader goal of fostering communal harmony and peaceful coexistence.
The recent development in Varanasi, where a court permitted a priest’s family to conduct Hindu prayers in one of the Gyanvapi mosque’s cellars, adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing discussions. The Hindu side claims that an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) survey, ordered by the court, discovered remnants of a Hindu temple within the mosque’s premises.
As these historical and religious disputes continue, Abedin’s advocacy for peaceful resolution and his clarification on the CAA underscore the importance of open dialogue, understanding, and a concerted effort towards harmony among India’s diverse communities.
What steps can be taken to ensure accurate information dissemination regarding sensitive issues such as the Citizenship Amendment Act?
