National Security Advisor, Shri Ajit Doval and His Excellency Professor (Dr.) Mohammad Mahfud M.D., Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs of Indonesia inaugurated the first Dialogue on “the Role of Ulema in fostering a Culture of Interfaith Peace and Social Harmony in India and Indonesia” on 29 November 2022 in New Delhi.
NSA made the following key points:-
Against the backdrop of tectonic shifts in the global order, India and Indonesia, given their rich history, diversity, shared traditions and increasing bilateralism, have the potential to enhance prospects of peace, regional cooperation and prosperity in Asia.
India and Indonesia are home to the world’s largest Islamic populations, Indonesia is the world’s largest Islamic country and India is home to the third largest Muslim population in the world.
Much like in India, Islam in Indonesia was spread by traders from present-day Kerala and Gujarat and Sufis from Bengal and Kashmir. This peaceful spread led to the development of a syncretic culture, where not only pre-Islamic religions flourished side by side, but age-old traditions and local customs greatly influenced religious practices.
It is significant that Islamic theological schools of Deobandism, Barelvism and Sufism took roots in India. Later, their practices and traditions spread to other Islamic nations.
Extremism and terrorism is against the very meaning of Islam because Islam means peace and well-being (Salamati/salaam).
Both our countries have been victims of terrorism and separatism. While we have overcome the challenges to a considerable extent, the phenomenon of cross-border and ISIS spired terrorism continues to pose a threat. Cooperation of the vil society is essential in countering the thread lion sis syria and Afghanistan.
inspired individual terror cells and returnees from theatres like. We need to work together to develop common narralives on de-radicalization. In a democracy, there is no place for hate speech, prejudice, propaganda, demonization, violence, conflict and misuse of religion for narrow ends.
The essence lies in disseminating our positive discourse far and wide, and not merely reacting to the agenda set by inimical forces. State institutions also need to come together in detecting and identifying potential negative influencers and share information to counter their activities. In this, Ulemas, due to their deep connect with civil society, can play a vital role.
The Ulema have a leading role in educating the people on the original tolerant and moderate principles of Islam and countering radicalization and extremism with progressive ideas and thought. Our youth should receive special attention towards this end. They are often the primary target of radicalization, but if their energies are nurtured in the right direction, they can emerge as harbingers of change and building blocks of progress in any society.
The Ulema must also be adept in the use of technology and utilize various technological solutions to thwart the evil designs of propaganda and hate.
Countries like India and Indonesia, with their experience of multi-faith harmony and co-existence, can send a joint message to the world to eschew violence and conflict. This will be a powerful symbol of the determination of two large countries (together we have 1.7 Billion of the World population) to preserve and promote the true values espoused by religion. Together, we should strive to propagate moderate virtues of Islam as a beacon of hope and cooperation for the entire world.
