Indians, Muslims and non-Muslims, are championing a unique and ambitious campaign to spread the true message of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).
"This is the first time that not only the Ulemas of different sects but our (non-Muslim) brothers from Bamcef and Maratha Samaj, Satya Shodhak Samaj, and others are the co-organizers of this campaign," Nazar Mohammed Madu, President of the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, told the launching ceremony in Mumbai Sunday, February 14.
The campaign, themed "Muhammad for All", is meant to introduce the prophet to all Indians, especially non-Muslims, according to the Twocircles.com website.
"India is a plural society and we like to request our brothers and sisters to please try and understand Islam also," Madu said.
Leading Muslim and non-Muslim personalities will travel across the country to talk with people about the true message of Islam and its Prophet.
The campaigners will clarify Prophet Muhammad's stances on social injustice, female feticide, dowry, child labor, liquor, corruption, human rights violation, terrorism and violence.
The nation-wide campaign would continue till February 28.
There are some 140 million Muslims in Hindu-majority India, the world's third-largest Muslim population after those of Indonesia and Pakistan.
Universal Message
"It’s wrong to confine his personality to Muslims only," said Khedekar, a secular Hindu and social activist.The campaign launch ceremony was attended by many non-Muslim, particularly Hindu, leaders and activists.
They hailed Prophet Muhammad's message of universal brotherhood and peace, stressing that it is not for Muslims only.
"Muhammad has come with the Message of Universal Brotherhood, Peace and Equality, which is infinite in nature and should be implemented," said Purshottam Khedekar, President of Hindu Maratha Seva Sangh organization. "It’s wrong to confine his personality to Muslims only."
Khedekar, whose organization fights the caste system in Hinduism, said Prophet Muhammad was a champion of social justices and human equality. "It’s him who wanted to unite and integrate human beings," he asserted. "He appealed for the better society and good governance."
Ram Puniyani, a well-known secular Hindu and social activist, hailed Prophet Muhammad as a prophet of peace."Prophet Muhammad has taught about peace and justice but maliciously Islam is linked to terrorism nowadays," he regretted. "He always preached against the violence and taught universal brotherhood."
B.N Hirdekar, of the Hindu Examiner Shivaji University, highlighted Prophet Muhammad's efforts to fight social evils. "He shuns casteism, exploitation in the name of region, religion, gender and taught universal brotherhood," he said. "He also taught about kids' right which was only brought to us in the year 1969. He routed out slavery when it was a routine."
Hirdekar noted that centuries after his death, Prophet Muhammad's teachings remain very relevant. "It’s very surprising to see 1400 years old teaching of Muhammad is very relevant today."
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