Rajasthan: Ajmer Dargah Diwan calls for peace, unity and end to hatred
Jaipur, May 19
A message of peace, patriotism, interfaith harmony, and Sufism resonated from Ajmer on Tuesday during the "Mera Mulk, Meri Pehchan" programme organised by the All India Sufi Sajjada Nashin Council.
The event brought together saints, spiritual leaders, social workers, and administrative officials from different faiths and communities to promote communal harmony and national unity.
Addressing the gathering, Dargah Diwan Syed Zainul Abedin said Ajmer holds a unique place in the country's spiritual landscape, where the revered Ajmer Sharif Dargah and the globally renowned Brahma Temple coexist as symbols of harmony and faith.
He said any message emerging from Ajmer carries deep significance because the city has historically stood for love, humanity, Sufism, and unity.
The Diwan said the world today is witnessing growing terrorism, hatred, and extremism, but stressed that no religion teaches or supports terrorism.
He described "Mera Mulk, Meri Pehchan" not merely as a slogan, but as a responsibility and identity shared by every citizen.
"India is home to many religions, languages, and cultures, but above all, we are Indians first," he said.
Referring to Islamic teachings, he stated that Islam also emphasises loyalty to one's country.
He added that the Holy Quran and the teachings of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad convey the message that individuals must remain loyal to the nation in which they live.
In a strong message against radicalism and violence, the Diwan said that if one wishes to wage jihad, it should be for children's education, poverty eradication, and social reform.
He further remarked that if zakat (charitable contributions) were utilised effectively, Ajmer and Rajasthan could emerge as models of development and social welfare.
He also said that before criticising other religions, people should first understand the teachings of their own faith, adding that all religions ultimately preach humanity, compassion, and brotherhood.
During his address, the Diwan also commented on international affairs, saying that the world is increasingly witnessing conflict, war and instability.
Raising concerns about global power politics and United States policies, he emphasised the need for humanity to unite against forces spreading unrest and violence worldwide.
Highlighting Ajmer's centuries-old tradition of communal harmony, the Diwan spoke about the deep cultural bond between the Dargah and the Hindu community.
He noted that the Basant tradition continues within the Chishti Sufi order and that Hindi qawwalis are still performed at the Dargah during spiritual gatherings.
He also pointed out that the tradition of preparing sweet prasad in the Dargah's giant cauldrons (Degs) was initiated with Hindu devotees in mind, symbolising inclusivity and shared faith traditions.
Calling for collective efforts to counter hatred, violence and extremism, the Diwan said the movement to eliminate divisions in society should begin from Ajmer, a city that serves as a spiritual centre for people of multiple faiths.
He urged citizens to pledge themselves to the ideals of love, harmony and humanity, and concluded by praying for peace, progress and brotherhood in the country.
Among those present were Dargah Diwan Syed Zainul Abedin, Divisional Commissioner Shakti Singh Rathore, District Collector Lokbandhu, Shyam Sundar Acharya and several religious leaders representing diverse faith traditions.
— IANS
Reader Comments
It's refreshing to see religious leaders promoting unity rather than division. The tradition of Hindi qawwalis and shared prasad at Ajmer Dargah shows that India's syncretic culture is alive and well. The world needs more of this.
"India is home to many religions, languages, and cultures, but above all, we are Indians first." — This is what our Constitution and our culture stand for. But I worry these messages don't reach the people who actually spread hatred. We need grassroots-level programs too, not just gatherings in Ajmer. Still, a good start.
Respectful criticism: While the Diwan's sentiment is noble, I wish political leaders also attended these events and took similar stands publicly. It's easy for religious figures to preach harmony, but when did we last see a mainstream politician speak like this without pandering to vote banks? The real test is whether this message reaches Parliament and social media.
The Brahma Temple and Ajmer Dargah coexistence is a beautiful example of what India can be. I visited Ajmer last year and saw Hindus and Muslims praying side by side in the Dargah courtyard. This is the real India that tourists should see, not the one shown on international news.
"Before criticising other religions, people should first understand the teachings of their own faith." — This is absolute gold. If everyone followed this simple advice, India would be a paradise. But we have a generation that has never read religious texts and only gets their 'knowledge' from WhatsApp forwards. 😞
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.