Muslim clerics, Mohan Bhagwat agree on interfaith dialogue at meet

AIIO chief Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi said the meeting lasted for about three-and-a-half hours and was attended by 60 prominent imams, muftis and representatives of prominent Islamic seminaries like Deoband and Nadwa.

The RSS described the discussion in the meeting as “positive” and said it was part of a continuous process of holding an extensive dialogue with all the sections of society. “The main objective is to explore how everyone can work together in the interest of the country. Today’s discussion was also positive,” said Sunil Ambekar, the head of the national publicity and media department of the RSS.

“A detailed discussion on national issues took place at the meeting. It was decided that there should be a dialogue between mandirs and masjids, imams and pujaris, gurukuls and madrasas so that misconceptions and confusions about each other are removed and a positive atmosphere of harmony and brotherhood is developed,” Ilyasi told The Indian Express.

He said it was discussed that everyone from across the castes, faiths and religions should have the sentiment of “rashtra sarvopari” (nation is supreme) and contribute in nation building.

Possible roles and responsibilities of imams and muftis in taking the nation forward were also discussed in the meeting, he said.

Asked about the RSS chief’s view on the decision, he said Bhagwat appreciated the idea of continuous dialogue to clear the misunderstandings and misconceptions.

“A consensus was reached to take this forward… Similar meetings will be held in different parts of the country. The schedule will be decided soon,” Ilyasi said. When asked about the “national issues” discussed in the meeting, Ilyasi refused to share details.

When asked if any “concern” was expressed by the clerics on the contentious issues like new Waqf Act and survey of mosques, Ilyasi said, “It was not a meeting about concerns but for building trust and a good atmosphere.”