FROM EXPERIENCE
A Pakistani Muslim, one of my readers, often visits India to meet his relatives. We received a detailed letter from him describing three incidents. One of these experiences is reproduced below in his own words:
“I am from Pakistan and frequently travel to Bangalore to visit my relatives. During this visit to India, I happened to read the January 1992 issue of my Urdu magazine Al-Risala. In it, I came across an article by Mr. Afzal titled ‘Water Instead of Blood’ (see p. 80). It reminded me of three personal experiences in India, which I am briefly recording here. These events strengthened my belief that if we hold love and openness for others instead of hatred and narrowness—if our behaviour is marked by gentleness instead of harshness, and our words carry sweetness instead of bitterness—then the whole world can be filled with peace and harmony.”
“This incident happened in 1982. I was traveling by train from Delhi to Bangalore with my wife, daughter, and young son. The coach we were in was small and had about fifteen other passengers, all Hindus from India. Most of them were young students returning to Bangalore after their holidays. Because of our simple and open nature, the young men soon became friendly with us. Seeing my beard and my family’s regular prayers, they assumed we belonged to a religious household. So, along with casual talk about the world, the weather, and regional politics, the conversation eventually turned to religion. One Hindu youth in particular led much of the discussion. It was clear from his words that he was intelligent and had a wide knowledge of his faith. After many questions and answers, he asked me something that changed the entire atmosphere of the coach. It suddenly felt as though we were not from different communities, but from one family, with no division or distance between us.
His question was: ‘What do you think of our Lord Krishna?’ I replied: ‘Let me share a principle. According to the Quran, no Muslim has the right or permission to insult the leaders or guides of any religion (6:108). On the contrary, we are commanded to show respect to the religious figures and spiritual leaders of all faiths. Therefore, by this principle, we are bound to honour Shri Krishna as well as the leaders of other religions.’
Hearing this, the young man grasped my hand and said: ‘If all religious people were like you, then fights, killings, and constant riots would disappear forever.’
I took the opportunity and said: ‘If that is the case, then all of you must promise me that throughout your lives you will remove hatred and hostility from people’s hearts, and instead sow seeds of reconciliation, love, and understanding.’ All of them made that promise.
Another outcome of this long journey was that we had to get off at Bangalore Cantonment Station, while they were to get off at Bangalore City Station. Since our stop came first, as soon as the train halted, those young men did not let any porter touch our luggage, nor did they allow us to lift it ourselves. Each of them stepped forward like porters, carried our bags on their shoulders, and in moments placed all our luggage on the platform. As the train moved again, each youth shook hands with us, embraced us, greeted our relatives, and waved goodbye before boarding. They left us with warm memories of that journey as they continued on their way.”
