Shia Sunni Iftaar For Unity

Описание: #ShoulderToShoulder, a social harmony action group organized an "Iftaar for Unity" on Sunday, 10th of June, 2018.

A group of intellectuals, belonging to both Shia and Sunni sects, organized a combined Iftaar party with the idea of projecting unity between the two sects.

This event gains importance with the recent controversial fatwa which says Sunni Muslims should not attend iftaar with their Shia brothers.

We had talks and discussions on how we can play a proactive role in countering hate mongers and help build a positive society as a whole. After Iftaar we had evening prayers where Shia and Sunni muslims stood #ShoulderToShoulder as a mark of unity. This prayer was lead by Maulana Jinan Asghar, a Shia cleric.

This program was held at the beautifully located rooftop restaurant, Aiwan-e-Shaahi, with a magnificent view of the Grand Jama Masjid of Delhi.

Some quotes from the event:

Zafar-ul-Islam (Minority Commission Chairman): "I have not attended any iftaar party since last many years but I really loved this initiative by #ShoulderToShoulder to bring together both communities, and hence I could not stop myself from coming."

Arfa Khanum (Consulting Editor, The Wire): "I always used to think that such gatherings serve no purpose as only like minded people attend it in the first place. But I thought about it later and came to this conclusion that I was wrong. It is important to organize such events to let the present generation know about our shared culture, the famous Ganga Jamuni tehzeeb, where people from all religions lived together with love and respect. Because at the end of the day, it is not the Muslims or Hindus who are in danger, but our composite culture."

Maulana Jinan Asghar (Shia religious scholar): "Quran gives us the message of humanity and peace for the entire mankind, but it is unfortunate that today we have to hold events to show Shia and Sunni muslims, both of who follow the Quran, that we are one and united."

Qamar Agha (Defense Analyst): "We have always lived together as one since ages, we do not know these people who are trying to divide us. They are not from us, and we should stand strongly against them."

Damini Yadav (Writer and journalist): "When I was young I remember I asked my father once, who are Muslims. I have never forgotten his answer. He said, Muslims are like the sugar you mix in the milk you drink. And once mixed, no one can separate it."

Many other people shared their personal stories of how their families have been living together with people from the other sect.

Notes:-

#ShoulderToShoulder is a group of like minded people who belong to all walks of life and all religions.
This group has no political or religious leaning. It is run by volunteers whose aim is to contribute to the betterment of their local community by promoting unity between followers of different religions and sects.