Syed Khalique Ahmed
NEW DELHI—Muslim World League Secretary General Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim al-Issa and Indian national security advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval have emphasised on diversity as a natural part of human existence. Doval also said that the involvement of Indian Muslims, who were around 200 million and equal to the population of 33 Muslim countries, in terrorism was incredibly low.
The two leaders made their comments while speaking at a programme hosted by Khusro Foundation and India Islamic Cultural Centre (IICC) at IICC’s premises here on Tuesday.
In his speech that was translated from Arabic to English language, Dr. al-Issa appreciated the diverse culture of India and said that diversity had been in existence on earth ever since the very beginning of human life.
Affirming that diversity is unavoidable part of human life, he said that diversity existed in many forms like religious diversity, linguistic diversity and other kinds of diversity. He pointed out that if we could understand the real objective and meaning of diversity, it could result in positive change in our thinking.
Referring to oft-quoted phrase ‘unity in diversity’, MWL supremo said that this should not remain only in books but needed to be applied on the ground.
Pointing out that the World Muslim League had alliances with different faiths all over the world, Dr. al-Issa said that he was aware that India was a Hindu majority country, yet WML had engaged with it through friendship with Sri Sri Ravishanker and Sadguru (Jaggi Vasudev) because WML believed in diversity of culture and faith in human society. Dr al-Issa is known for interfaith dialogues the world over.
Stating that India had a secular Constitution, he said that Muslim component of Indian society was very important and they (Muslims) were very proud of their country’s Constitution.
Praising Dr. al-Issa’s views on diversity as fundamental trait of human existence, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval said that Holy Quran also focused on unity in diversity. Quoting translated verses of the Holy Quran, he said that the Holy Quran itself mentioned that God created humans and divided them into tribes and groups to facilitate acquaintances, and not for any other reason.
