Hindu Muslim Unity - DHARMA DEEN ALLIANCE

Friday, January 4, 2013




The word dharma is Sanskrit and deen Arabic.

Both loosely defined mean “righteousness” or “path” – specifically the spiritual path.  A true devotee’s goal is following this path – not wasting time on petty issues, not rivalry about which religion is superior, not bothering with extremist ideology, or seeking converts. A devout Hindu must follow dharma, while a devout Muslim must follow deen. Dharma Deen Alliance is a blog run by two aspirants on their respective paths to Higher Truth, and it will explore scriptural law, proper living, and devotional love.

In addition, Dharma Deen Alliance will counter the misconception that Hinduism and Islam can’t co-exist together.  Because of our South Asian backgrounds we’re especially bothered by the consistent focus in the news about violence between Hindus and Muslims.  We’ll post news stories ignored by the media documenting unity between both communities. Working and living together peacefully with no quarrel, taking care of each others’ temples and mosques, and celebrating holidays and festivals side by side. And we’ll honor the lives of saints and seekers who worked to reconcile both paths such as Shirdi Sai Baba, Guru Nanak,  Kabir, Ramakrishna, and numerous others.

LINK -
http://dharmadeen.com/
http://dharmadeen.com/about/

Malerkotla, a shining example of communal harmony



Malerkotla a shining example of communal harmony
http://www.deccanherald.com/videos/watch/955/malerkotla-shining-example-communal-harmony.html


Punjab, November 23: Malerkotla, a Muslim-dominated town in Punjab takes pride in the peace and harmony in its society. Even when communal clashes take place elsewhere in the country, Malerkotla remains uneffected. In 1980s and early 90s too when Punjab was affected by terrorism, there was peace and quiet in Malerkotla.

Hindu temple comes up in Bihar with Muslim help

In a shining example of communal harmony in India, Muslims have helped build a Hindu temple dedicated to goddess Durga in Bihar's Gaya district, not just by making donations but also by supervising its construction.
"Muslims have not only donated money for the temple's construction, they have been involved in it like us," Suresh Prasad told IANS about the shrine at Loco Colony near the railway station in Gaya town, about 100 km from here.

The temple was opened for prayers and worship last week.

"There was active help from Muslims, all of whom are railway employees. This temple is a symbol of Hindu-Muslim unity as both joined hands to construct it", said Ashok Kumar, another resident.

One of those involved in the construction was Tauhid Alam. "We have been living here for years and taking care of each other. It is a gesture for communal harmony," he said.

Source - http://taghribnews.com/vdcj8veo.uqe8iz29fu.html

Hindu Muslim Unity: Hindus help rebuild and finance village mosque

ARNATAKA: It’s a century old mosque that’s been crying for attention since last October. It’s roofs started leaking and a portion of it was badly damaged in the heavy rains that lashed many parts of north Karnataka last year.

But the rains set off a lesson — a rare show of communal harmony. Hindus taking the lead to pitch in with donations and construction material to re-build the damaged mosque in remote village Purtageri.

There are about 150 households in Purtageri, of which only about ten families are Muslim. So they couldn’t afford the renovation of their only place of worship. But Hindus from the neighboring historic town of Gajendraghada donated willingly and work is now on in full swing with donations to the tune of about Rs 1 lakh that has come in. In fact, some Hindus who couldn’t donate in cash or kind, have volunteered to help with the masonry and labor.

Full article/source - http://ibnlive.in.com/news/hindus-help-muslims-restore-mosque-in-karnataka/132167-3.html
http://dharmadeen.com/2011/11/17/rebuild-mosque/

Muslim priests serve at 900-year old Shiva temple

Situated on the banks of the icy Lidder river, a 900-year old Shiva temple is the only Hindu shrine in the Kashmir valley which has Muslim priests.

After the migration of Kashmiri Pandits from a nearby village, two Muslim priests - Mohmmad Abdullah and Ghulam Hassan kept the doors of the Mamalaka temple open and bells continued to toll.

"We not only took care of temple but also held 'aartis' everyday," Ghulam Hasan said.

Besides ensuring the safety of the 3-feet-long black stone "shivaling", Abdullah and Hassan have ensured no devotee goes without prasad even for a single day.

Built by Raja Jai Suria, the temple was once a must stop over for pilgrims going to the Amarnath cave shrine in South Kashmir Himalayas.

The temple was for long run by a local association of Kashmir Pandits headed by Pandit Radha Krishen.

After his migration from Kashmir in 1989, the temple became a property of the state archaeology, archives and museum department and a protected monument.

While leaving, Pandit gave the charge of the temple to his friend Abdul Bhat, a Muslim, and asked him to keep the gates of the temple open. Keeping the promise, Bhat took care of the temple till his transfer from the area in 2004.

After that Mohammad Abdullah and Ghulam Hassan were entrusted with the task of maintaining the temple.

"We have faith in Lord Shiva. We not only maintained the temple, undertook repairs but also ensured that the temple remains fully functional despite threats from the militants," they said.[/color]


Source - Full article/source - http://www.indianexpress.com/news/muslim-priests-serve-at-900year-old-shiva-temple/486596
http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-07-08/india/28164253_1_shiva-temple-hindu-shrine-jammu-and-kashmir



.. poor people from all religions living together and sharing food and shelter..
A film by Anand Patwardhan (www.patwardhan.com)

Bombay Our City' documents the daily battle for survival of 4 million slum dwellers who face a constant threat of eviction, thanks to a campaign to 'beautify' the city. It is both an indictment of injustice and a call for action made a stark 25 years before " Slumdog Millionaire"[/color]

Awards:
National Award, Best Non Fiction (India)
Special Jury Award, Cinema du Reel (France)
Filmfare Award, Best Documentary (India)