VARANASI: While celebrating Diwali, a group of Muslim women sang in praise of Lord Rama and performed aarti at Vishal Bharat Sansthan in Lamahi in Varanasi on Sunday.
They sang, "Ayodhya hai humare jiyaratgah ka naam, Rahate hain wahan Imam-e-Hind Shri Ram", (Ayodhya is the name of our pilgrimage, where lives Imam of Hind Shri Ram)".
The group leader and president of Muslim Mahila Foundation Nazneen Ansari believes in cultural and social amalgamation of Hindus and Muslims through such events. "Shri Ram is our ancestor. We can change our name and religion, but how we can change our ancestor," she wondered adding, "Singing in praise of Lord Ram not only bridges the gap between Hindus and Muslms, but also reflects the generosity of Islam."
The darkness of unrighteousness vanishes with the light of Ram's name. There is a need to spread the name of Ram everywhere. Those who are away from Ram are forced to resort to violence. Palestine and Israel are shedding blood among themselves, she said, adding, both need to follow the path of Lord Ram, only then peace can come.
Only "Ramrajya" can take the world towards peace. “We are Indians, hence it is our duty to believe in Indian culture and take it forward. We are Muslims but will never accept Arabic culture. Muslims will be respected only if they remain connected to their ancestors”, she said.
Najma Parveen, a Muslim woman who did her PhD on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said that this effort of Muslim women is going to strengthen mutual relations and give the message of peace. "Lord Shri Ram is the only support who can remove hatred from anyone's heart. In times of violence and unrighteousness, only the name of Lord Ram can take one on the path of righteousness," she said.
The event was attended by Archana Bharatvanshi, Razia Sultana, Shabana Begum, Shama Afroz, Reshma Qureshi, Razia, Jaliya Begum, Nagina Begum, Rabina, Shamshunnisha, Sonam, Mridula Jaiswal, Abha Bharatvanshi, and others.
With the "aarti thaal", the women performed aarti of Lord Rama and recited Hanuman Chalisa and prayer to give a message of communal harmony. The tradition of Shri Rama aarti has been continuing since 2006 when the Sankat Mochan temple was rocked by a terrorist blast. Since then Nazneen and her group members have been performing aarti and reciting prayers on occasions of Hindu festivals like Ram Navami and Diwali. These women believe that the message from Kashi can play a vital role in strengthening communal harmony in the society. Nazneen also scripted "Shri Ram Aarti", "Shri Ram Prarthana", "Durga Chalisa" and translated "Hanuman Chalisa" and "Ramcharitmanas" into Urdu.
