Special and powerful online panel entitled “Ramazan, Jaan aur Jahan” was organised by Parmarth Niketan and the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance, presided and inspired by Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, today from 3:30-4:30pm to encourage positive messages and crucial appeals by India’s prominent Muslim leaders calling to their followers and congregations to observe Ramazan from their homes during the Lockdown.
Tune into the LIVE Stream from 3:30pm-4:30pm TODAYOn YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wNgbZCNVAQ&ab_channel=ParmarthNiketan
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1494489187397885
Blessing and gracing the panel will be:
1. Presiding over the session HH Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, President of Parmarth Niketan, Chair/Founder, Global Interfaith WASH Alliance
2. Imam Umer Ahmad Ilyasiji, President, All India Imam Organisation
3. Maulana Dr Kalbe Sadiq Saheb, Vice President, All India Muslim Personal Law Board
4. Maulana Khalid Rashid Firangi Mahaliji, Chairman, Islamic Centre of India
5. Haji Syed Salman Chisthyji, Gaddi Nashin, Ajmer Dargah Sharif
6. Maulana Yasoob Abbasji, General Secretary, All India Shia Personal Law Board
7. Maulana Kokab Mujtabaji, President, Ulema Foundation of India
8. Maulana Luqman Tarapuriji, Global Imam Council, India
9. Mufti Nasihur Rahmanji, General Secretary, Darrang Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind Assam
Pujya Swamiji began the panel by saying that the theme of Ramazan, Jaan aur Jahan lays emphasis that this year our festivals will 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. It is the time that we from our places of worship tell people to connect with their faith from their homes and their hearts.” He then presided over the panel and asked each of the panelists to share their thoughts one by one.
Maulana Firangi Mahaliji, from Lucknow, said, “When we are locked in our homes, when animals are free but we 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 but while staying home and following lockdown.”
Maulana Kokab Mujtabaji, 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 the 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 Rahmanji said, “Jaan Hai to Jahan Hai aur Aanya Wala Ramzan hai. Staying at home is the only way that we can change our current fate and destiny. Corona Virus has affected all beings. Islam tells us the importance of cleaniness and tells us how to wash our hands and let us support and help our neighbor. We might believe in any religion but we are first and foremost one humanity.”
Maulana Yasoob Abbasji from Lucknow, “Ramazan is the month of Allah and prayer doesnt only have to in our masjids but prayer must be in our homes and in our hearts. We are appealing to everyone to practice and be home. By fasting we remember the many who are not having enough to eat at this time but during this time we take care of those less fortunate then us and ensure no one remains hungry.”
Maulana Luqman Tarapuriji from Gujarat shared, “Allah tells us when we have mercy on others then He should 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. The prayer that happens for Allah from the depth of our heart is the most valuable.”
Imam Umer Ilyasiji from Delhi shared, “Our Hon’ble Prime Minister since he has issued Lockdown he himself 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. Every faith tradition practices Namaz because Nama – Bow– Az means Ishwar – the Divine. This is the month of forgiveness of service and of goodness.”
Salman Chisthyji said, “Let us take one day that all saints, people from all religions join Muslim leaders practice Roza and offer solidarity and I request Pujya Swamiji that we join together that we practice Roza. Let us pray at home and remember that Corona is not here to depress us and not to create despair but to inspire us to be renewed and rejuvenated. The greatest loss will be that if come out of lockdown and we continue in our old ways then that will be the greatest loss.”
Maulana Kalbe Sadiqji shared via his video message many guidelines and appealed to us to stay home, ensure social distancing and follow all necessary guidelines. He added, “I remember the days of our freedom struggle when I was only a little boy and that is why I say before our religion and/or our social identities we are first and foremost Hindustani. Therefore, protecting our nation and our people is our first and foremost responsibility.”
Pujya Swamiji said that at this time being Quarantined is Koran. He added that Corona is here to teach us lesson this is the opportunity to be with our families. He added, “Faith and trust is the key to open the doors of a new healthy and harmonious society and together in this sacred month of Ramazan let us open these doors for a new tomorrow.”
The panel concluded with a beautiful 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.
