Michael Messana
Ever since the invasion of india by the Mughals, there have been continuous tensions between Muslims and Hindus in India. Ranging from failed ancient attempts to reconcile the two religions to the modern divisions between these groups, their are many reasons for the Muslims and Hindus to dislike each other. However, past these differences, their base teachings not only allow for them to acknowledge each other, it also tells them to acknowledge each other. While both the ancient and modern conflicts cause dissent between their faiths, the solutions to these problems can be found in their own texts.
Since the beginning, these two religious groups have been in conflict over their differences. Besides the fact that the Muslims conquered the Hindus, their were many religious issues separating these groups as well. In an attempt to rectify the situation as Akbar, the third ruler of the Mughals, tried to combine all of the religions into one, central. Naturally, this failed to succeed, causing heavy dissent. This eventually calmed down, but soon resurfaced after the Indians gained independance. The Muslims began to realize that the hindus felt superior over them when they should be working together. This caused a major divide between the two religions, resulting in discrimination on both sides, leading to the spread of poverty.
Despite their differences, however, in terms of their basic tenets they should be working together. One of the basic tenets of many religions is “know your fellow man.” However, many religions discriminate against others over political issues, or simply social discriminations. They must remember that, as religions that focus on peace, they must extend this hand of peace to other religions as well. For example, in the Qur’an, Muslims are required to “know each other.” (el Fadl, ch.10) This does not focus on just Muslims, but all the peoples of the world. They are supposed to get to learn from other people of the world, and get to truly know them. Maybe then, can change occur in India.
Work Cited
Abou, El Fadl, Khaled. The Great Theft: Wrestling Islam from the Extremists. New York, NY: HarperSanFrancisco, 2005. Print. Chapter 10.