Unity, Tolerance, and Interfaith Understanding in the Writings of Professor Akhtarul Wasey- Part-3
By Dr. Zafar Darik Qasmi, New Age Islam
09 June 2026
Abstract:
This article discusses Professor Akhtarul Wasey's views on unity, tolerance and interfaith understanding. It highlights the importance of Hindu-Muslim unity in preserving India's social harmony and pluralistic traditions. The article explains that mutual respect, friendship and cooperation are necessary for a peaceful society. Through the ideas of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, it emphasises human brotherhood, patriotism and peaceful coexistence. Professor Wasey also presents India as a land of religious, cultural and linguistic diversity where different communities have lived together for centuries. Despite occasional conflicts, India's spirit of "unity in diversity" has remained strong and continues to promote peace, understanding and social harmony.
Main Points:
· Hindu-Muslim unity is essential for preserving India's peace, harmony and long-standing social traditions today.
· True friendship should be based on humanity, respect and goodwill towards all people.
· Maulana Azad strongly supported national unity and cooperation between Hindus and Muslims always.
· India has a long history of religious, cultural and linguistic diversity and coexistence.
· Respecting different beliefs and traditions strengthens pluralism, peace and social understanding everywhere.
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One of the most important factors in preserving India's pluralistic values and centuries-old tradition of social harmony is Hindu-Muslim unity. Efforts made for Hindu-Muslim unity can succeed only when people sincerely develop feelings of friendship, understanding and cooperation with one another. Unity, solidarity and collective cooperation are essential values for the progress and prosperity of any society. Without them, it is impossible to imagine a peaceful and healthy community.
The growing atmosphere of hatred and mistrust in India today is largely the result of the weakening of Hindu-Muslim relations, whether intentionally or unintentionally. History shows that when Hindus and Muslims stood together in cooperation, the British were forced to leave India. Therefore, those selfish groups and individuals who seek to divide this unity for their own interests should remember that such actions will not only damage the relationship between two communities but will also harm India's noble traditions. Across the world, India is often recognised for the strong bond between Hindus and Muslims. If this bond is weakened, that positive image will also suffer.
For this reason, literature that promotes Hindu-Muslim cooperation and social harmony should be encouraged. Professor Akhtarul Wasey's valuable writings provide a rich source of ideas on human unity, love for humanity, mutual respect and goodwill. His works serve as a guiding light for Indian society.
The following examples illustrate his views.
In his article "Elements of Pluralism in the Thought of Sir Syed and Maulana Azad", Professor Akhtarul Wasey quotes Sir Syed Ahmad Khan as saying:
"Those who think that true friendship and sincere love for people of other religions are forbidden are mistaken. Whatever God has placed in human nature is true and genuine. We should maintain sincere friendship, goodwill and heartfelt respect for all people, regardless of their religion. Such relationships should be based on our shared humanity, while religious brotherhood is naturally rooted in a common faith and belief system. This is the guidance that Islam gives us."
(Tahzib-ul-Akhlaq, Vol. 5, Rabi al-Thani 1291 AH, p. 58)
In the same article, Professor Wasey also presents several important quotations from Maulana Abul Kalam Azad regarding patriotism and Hindu-Muslim unity. One of them is as follows:
"The seventy million Muslims of India should unite with their twenty-two crore Hindu brothers in such a way that together they become one Indian nation. I wish to remind my Muslim brothers that after the voice of God, the greatest voice was that of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). In the treaty he prepared, these words were written: 'We make peace with all the tribes living around Madinah. We agree to live together and become one nation and one community.'"
(Quoted by Professor Akhtarul Wasey in his article "Elements of Pluralism in the Thought of Sir Syed and Maulana Azad")
India: A Champion of Religious Pluralism
The importance of Hindu-Muslim unity cannot be denied. In practical life, examples of mutual harmony can still be seen in festivals, weddings and various social activities. However, some self-interested groups have tried to weaken these bonds. Therefore, the traditions that once strengthened our social relations must be preserved and promoted.
It is also important to recognise that religious pluralism is one of India's greatest strengths and an inseparable part of its identity. Professor Akhtarul Wasey has repeatedly discussed this subject in his writings. In his article "Elements of Pluralism in the Thought of Sir Syed and Maulana Azad", published in Dr Haris Mansoor's edited volume Danish Rahbin (Brown Publications, New Delhi, 2017), he provides a thoughtful discussion on the significance and benefits of religious pluralism in India.
He writes:
“It is often said that India is one of the oldest centres of human civilisation. For centuries, its prosperity, natural beauty and rich culture have attracted people from different parts of the world.
Whether they came as traders, travellers, religious teachers or people seeking a new home, India welcomed them. Over time, people from different backgrounds lived together and helped create a society that values religious, cultural and linguistic diversity.
Because of this unique character, India has become a meeting place of many traditions and cultures. Visitors from different countries often find something familiar in India's diversity and appreciate its inclusive spirit.
Pluralism has been a part of India for a very long time. It is not a recent idea but an important feature of the country's history and identity. India's diversity can be seen in its religions, languages and cultures.
Many nations today struggle with social divisions and are searching for ways to overcome them. India has also faced such challenges, but its long experience of living with diversity has helped it develop ways of maintaining social harmony.
Muslims have been present in India since the earliest centuries of Islam. Throughout history, they have lived under different political conditions. At some times they were subjects, while at others they held positions of authority. In modern democratic India, they are equal citizens who participate fully in national life.
Today, Indian Muslims are neither rulers nor subjects. They are active partners in a democratic system, sharing both rights and responsibilities. This experience has also enriched Indian Muslim scholarship, enabling it to address a wide range of social and political issues.
India's pluralistic society has not developed without difficulties. There have been periods of tension, conflict and misunderstanding. At times, different communities drifted apart and appeared to lose their sense of mutual trust.
Despite these challenges, the spirit of "unity in diversity" has remained one of India's greatest strengths. It has continued to connect people of different faiths and backgrounds, helping them live together in peace and cooperation.”
(Dr Haris Mansoor (ed.), Danish Rahbin, Brown Publications, New Delhi, 2017, pp. 39–41)
This passage presents a powerful and well-reasoned discussion of India's religious, social and linguistic diversity. It highlights the fact that India is one of the world's most significant centres of religious pluralism and explains why pluralism is essential for a society like India.
The passage also demonstrates the many positive outcomes of pluralism and shows how its influence can be seen throughout Indian society. It invites people of all religions and communities to live together in unity and mutual cooperation. At the same time, it teaches that religious pluralism can remain strong and vibrant only when individuals protect their own beliefs while also respecting the beliefs, traditions and values of others.
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Dr. Zafar Darik Qasmi is an Islamic Scholar, author and Regular Columnist for New Age Islam.
New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism