Mansooruddin Faridi / New Delhi

The weakening of our traditions is one of the reasons for the threat to communal unity and harmony. We have to preserve the Ganga-Jamuni civilization. There is also a need to take initiative to impart education of other religions and faiths in madrasas. It’s very important for fostering mutual tolerance and love.

These views were expressed by Dr. Maulana Saud Alam Qasmi, Dean, Theology Department of Aligarh Muslim University at a function organized by Khusro Foundation in Delhi on Thursday. 

He also released a book of Dr. Zafar Darak Qasmi India's Legal Status on the occasion. The book is published by Khusro Foundation.

Maulana Qasmi said that the need of the hour was to remove the shortcomings and weaknesses of society in time so that it does not become a disease. He said singing patriotic songs is a great virtue in today's world; we have to realize that hate doesn't last; love lasts.

“That is why Allah created the universe with love.”

He further said that in the history of Arabia to Persia, songs of the greatness and uniqueness of the Indian subcontinent have been sung. India has been beautifully mentioned in everything from religion to literature.

Maulana Qasmi further said that that the Prophet of Islam had said that he gets cool air from India.

He spoke about his interaction with students of Islamabad University when he told the students that it was wrong to call India Darul Harb. (A nation that is an enemy of Islam).  “We are not enemies. Everything has changed in the world; there is a new system under which the world is linked through the United Nations. We need to move in a new direction to live in a new environment and new conditions,” he told the gathering in Islamabad.

He said his speech was liked by a large section in Pakistan and they supported his ideology.

Maulana Asghar Ali Imam Mehdi Salafi, President, All India Jamiat Ahle Hadith Hind, said that just one can not question a mother's religion, Shariat, and moral status, so is the case with one's motherland. "There is no need to question it as patriotism is a natural feeling."

He compared one's motherland with a talisman around one's neck to make a point of the intrinsic link between a citizen and his native country. However, he regretted that these days this message has to be reconfirmed to the new generation.

Maulana Asghar Ali Imam Salafi asked why we a need arose when the status of India in Islamic terms has to be clarified with younger Muslims. “Why it needs to be told again and again?”

He said it has become important to make the new generation aware of the status of our motherland. He congratulated the Khusro Foundation for taking up the task (of educating the younger generation).

He said, "The basic education of religion is patriotism. It is a part of our faith. The motherland is a symbol of embrace. The Ganga-Jamuni civilization is our heritage.” 

He said, “We are its protectors. Wherever you look today, the current of protectionist sentiment is flowing.”

Eminent intellectual and Padma Shri Professor Akhtar-ul-Wase, while highlighting the objectives of the Khusro Foundation, said that its motive is to end the hatred and misunderstandings that have crept into society.