Mansooruddin Faridi/ New Delhi

Rashtriya Swayemsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat can bridge the gap between the Hindus and Muslims. His ideas are admirable but these also need to be put into practice so that the impact is seen on society and the government.

This is the gist of the reactions of scholars and intellectuals on Bhagwat’s recent remarks on Hindu-Muslim relations and his outreach to Muslims.

In his speech on Dussehra Day, Bhagwat said that Muslims have never been threatened by Hindus and that they never will be. Muslim intellectuals have welcomed his statement.

However, they said it was the right time to start a dialogue between the two major religious communities of India.

Bhagwat said that fears about Hindus threatening the minorities (Read Muslims) are spreading. 

“This has not happened in the past, nor will it happen in the future. This is not the nature of the Hindus. Hindu society does not believe in threatening others,” he said.

Islamic scholar Professor Akhtarul Wasey welcomed Bhagwat’s statement. “If Bhagwat's contention is proven to be true, it will not only be good for Muslims but also for Hindus and India. We know that unless there is an atmosphere of unity and consensus, the country cannot make progress.”

Wasey said that now Bhagwat has to decide how to gain the trust of Muslims.

He said, “We know that it was not the RSS that raised slogans of ‘Ghar wapsi’ or behind the lynchings (of Muslims) or raising slogans of the killing of Muslims in Dharam Sansad." He wondered why the perpetrators of these hate crimes were not booked under the UAPA as were some Muslims for other acts.”

“What Bhagwat said is very good; he is a big leader and has big thoughts. His words can be taken seriously but it is time for him to act so that its effect can be seen on the ground,” Wasey said.

Another scholar Maulana Zaheer Abbas Rizvi said that it’s time for taking some initiative on communal harmony.

“Bhagwat is the head of an organization whose political unit is ruling the country. He must also appreciate Muslims for their positive actions and not only point out their flaws."

He said he was reminded of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s remarks after the Gujarat riots that a leader should practice Raj Dharma. “Today these words seem apt for Bhagwat Sahib as he heads an organization that undoubtedly represents a large section of the country and is ruled by its political wing. It's also his responsibility to set things right.”

Maulana Rizvi said that Muslims have strongly condemned each unpleasant incident happening in the country. “It would have been better if Bhagwat had also appreciated the positive thinking and initiative of Muslims in this speech. That could have made a good effect.”

He said that Muslims have always worked for the unity and development of the country. However, a campaign to the contrary becomes a problem for Muslims.

“Bhagwat should have also shed light on Lord Rama's sacrifice in this speech like his opting for exile in the forest to honour his commitment. That is the philosophy of Hinduism and it should be known to every Indian.”

Maulana Mufti Muhammad Makram Ahmad, Imam of Delhi's Fatehpuri Masjid, said anyone speaking positively must be believed and welcomed. “Mohan Bhagwat is a great personality, there is a positive thought behind his ideas. The problem is that there is a section in society and the government that is breaking the trust of Muslims.”

In a reference to recent instances, he said that Muslims were being flogged in public and their houses razed with bulldozers.

Mufti Mukaram said Bhagwat is a big leader and he must give a clear message to the elements who were busy spoiling the environment of the country.v“The way these elements are harming India’s image and reputation is painful because when people in other countries read about India in the context of such incidents, the country’s image takes a setback.

Mufti Manzur Zia of the Internation Sufi Caravan said Bhagwat’s words are good but these need to be matched with action.

Welcoming Bhagwat’s statement, he said, “The responsibility of implementing his ideas also rests on all of us.”

He said the common man in India doesn’t want chaos and only seeks peace. “Bhagwat's role is important because he influences those in power. His opinions and suggestions are important.”

Mufti Zia said that the role of ulama will be important in this initiative.

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He said having said the "outstanding issues and differences have to be removed so that the environment in the country can be changed on the ground level. It also affects the economy of the country.“