No Religion Advocates Violence

Bangalore

“The difference between Hindus and Muslims happens to be just a small apostrophe in the way they think. Hindus think that everything — sun, moon, stars, water, snake, earth and all …is God. Muslims, on the other hand, think that everything is God’s creation. Hence the difference between the two is just an apostrophe”. This is how the Founder of Islamic Research Foundation, Dr. Zakir Naik began the inter-religious dialogue on ‘The concept of God in Hinduism and Islam — in the light of sacred scriptures’ on January 21, 2006 in Bangalore. Dr Zakir Naik and Sr Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of Art of Living Foundation came together on a common platform for this dialogue. While Dr Zakir Naik quoted extensively from the Hindu scriptures and the Quran, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said there is a need for a sense of belonging-ness to unite members of diverse communities. “People always think they are on the right path and that everyone else is wrong. But there is need for broader understanding. They should take what is common and appreciate the common thread,” he said. “Be it Hinduism or Islam, no religion advocates violence,” Sri Sri Ravi Shankar asserted. Dr Naik seconded him saying, no Muslim will spread violence if he is true to his religion. Both the speakers agreed upon one point that God was one despite the ways of worship being different.

“Let us not try to change the other. While there are differences, let us shake hands. Then there will be harmony. Love should be supreme. Do not criticise the idol worshippers,” said Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. While Dr Zakir Naik impressed the crowd with his knowledge of the Quran, the Vedas and the Upanishads, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar sent across his message of peace, love, forgiveness and humanitarian values in his soft and soothing voice. The dialogue was followed by an open Question and Answer Session for the audience.The inter-religious dialogue for understanding God, was a historic event as it not just brought together two great spiritual scholars, but also helped people from different communities understand each other, which really is the need of the hour today. The Event organised by the Discover Islaam Educational Trust (DIET) and Art of Living, was a crowd-puller with over 50,000 people listening to the two scholars amidst pin-drop silence. Millions across the world also watched this event while it was being telecast live on ‘Peace TV’.

http://www.islamicvoice.com/February2006/CoverStory/

To listen to the audio of entire "Peace to India" event:
http://www.thetruecall.com