By OUR STAFF REPORTER
RISHIKESH, 23 Apr: An online panel discussion, titled “Ramazan, Jaan aur Jahan”, was organised by Parmarth Niketan and the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance, here, today. It was presided over by Swami Chidanand Saraswati and took place from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. to send positive messages and crucial appeals by India’s prominent Muslim leaders to their followers and congregations to observe Ramazan from their homes during the lockdown.
It can be seen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wNgbZCNVAQ&ab_channel=ParmarthNiketan
Taking part along with Swami Chidanand Saraswati, President of Parmarth Niketan, were Imam Umer Ahmad Ilyasi, President, All India Imam Organisation; Maulana Dr Kalbe Sadiq Saheb, Vice President, All India Muslim Personal Law Board; Maulana Khalid Rashid Firangi Mahali, Chairman, Islamic Centre of India; Haji Syed Salman Chisthy, Gaddi Nashin, Ajmer Dargah Sharif; Maulana Yasoob Abbas, General Secretary, All India Shia Personal Law Board; Maulana Kokab Mujtaba, President, Ulema Foundation of India; Maulana Luqman Tarapuri, Global Imam Council, India; and Mufti Nasihur Rahman, General Secretary, Darrang Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, Assam.
Swami Chidanand that the theme of ‘Ramazan, Jaan aur Jahan’ laid emphasis on the fact that this year the festivals would need to be celebrated differently. He said, “Time has come for our faith leaders to guide the way to a new way of living and a new way of worshiping and connecting with the Divine — one that takes care of our health and those of others.”
Maulana Firangi Mahali, said from Lucknow, “When we are locked in our homes, when animals are free but we are forced inside, it is time to introspect. It is also a time that we ensure that we do not transmit the virus to anyone who is immuno-comprised. Let us do our roza, our fasting, our prayers while staying at home and following lockdown.” Maulana Kokab Mujtaba, from Amroha, read a verse from the scripture and said, “Our scriptures say that if we murder one person we are committing a crime against entire humanity and if we protect even one person we are protecting all of humanity. Let us read our scriptures while at home and see how we can stand by our nation and our community.”
Mufti Nasihur Rahman added, “Jaan Hai to Jahan Hai aur aane wala Ramzan hai. Staying at home is the only way that we can change our current fate and destiny.” Maulana Yasoob Abbas from Lucknow declared, “Ramazan is the month of Allah and prayer doesn’t only have to in our masjids but prayer must be in our homes and in our hearts.” Maulana Luqman Tarapuri from Gujarat shared, “Allah tells us when we have mercy on others then He would have mercy on us. Stay at home, pray, remember and connect with Allah so that entire humanity can benefit from our prayers and our spiritual practice.” Imam Umer Ilyasi from Delhi added, “Our Prime Minister, since he has issued lockdown orders, has not stepped out of his home and if he is following these guidelines then we must as well. Ramazan benefits the health of the body and our spirit. Let us serve those who are facing difficulties. This is the month of forgiveness of service and of goodness.”
Salman Chisthy said, “Let us take one day that all saints, people from all religions join Muslim leaders in Roza and offer solidarity. Corona is not here to depress us and to create despair but to inspire us to be renewed and rejuvenated.” Maulana Kalbe Sadiq appealed to all to stay home, ensure social distancing and follow all necessary guidelines.”
The panel concluded with a message of oneness and unity – a message from all faith leaders that the greatest religion to be followed before all else is our common humanity. There was also special prayer and moment of silence by faith leaders for the strength and good health of the Corona Warriors and Frontline workers serving selflessly during this time.