“Let there be no compulsion in Religion.” (Sura Al Bakara, 2:256).
(بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم، والصلاة والسلام على حبيبنا محمد صلى الله عليه وسلم وعلى من اتبع صراطه المستقيم.)
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and upon all those who follow his righteous path.
Dear Readers,
(السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته.) May Peace, Mercy, and Blessings of Allah be upon you.
A mosque and temple stand in the same courtyard: a message of love, unity, and spiritual coexistence. In the heart of Lalmonirhat, Bangladesh, a small town whispers a message that the entire world must hear.
In a world often shaken by division and misunderstanding, the story of Lalmonirhat’s Puran Bazaar Jame Mosque and Kalibari Central Temple shines like a radiant beacon of hope. Here, where the sacred echoes of the Puran Bazar Jame Mosque and the Kalibari Central Temple beautifully converge in a shared courtyard for nearly 200 years, we witness not just religious harmony but a vibrant, living embodiment of Divine wisdom. It can inspire every citizen of the globe, regardless of faith or background.
A Divine Blueprint for Coexistence:
The story of Lalmonirhat isn't new; it's nearly two centuries old, a tradition woven into the very fabric of its soil. The Kalibari Temple, established in 1836, and the Puran Bazar Jame Mosque, rising alongside it, stand as timeless monuments to peace.
Imam Mohammad Alauddin of the mosque beautifully articulates this heritage: "The temple was established long before the mosque, and despite our different religions, people from all walks of life practice their faith here peacefully. There has never been any disorder.
"This sentiment is echoed by Shri Shankar Chakraborty, head priest of the temple, who speaks of a continuous legacy of mutual respect.
This incredible coexistence is not a mere coincidence; it's a deliberate, annual commitment. Each year, the executive committees of both the mosque and the temple meet, not to delineate differences but to coordinate schedules, ensuring that the solemnity of prayer and the vibrancy of celebration, like the Durga Puja festival, unfold in an atmosphere of serene mutual respect. This annual collaboration is a powerful testament to the enduring power of dialogue and understanding.
Islam's Glorious Support for Religious Tolerance:
The Qur'an is unambiguous about protecting religious freedom and honouring those of other faiths:
“There is no compulsion in religion.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:256)
“To you be your religion, and to me mine.” (Surah Al-Kafirun 109:6)
“Had Allah willed, He would have made you one nation, but [He intended] to test you in what He has given you; so race to [all that is] good.” (Surah Al-Ma'idah 5:48)
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) is perhaps history’s most powerful example of interfaith compassion.
He signed the Charter of Medina, granting Jews and Christians autonomy in faith.
He stood up when a Jewish funeral passed by, stating, "Was he not a soul?” (Sahih Bukhari).
Universal Values and Lessons from Non-Muslim Scholars:
He stood up when a Jewish funeral passed by, stating, "Was he not a soul?” (Sahih Bukhari).
Universal Values and Lessons from Non-Muslim Scholars:
This message of harmony is not unique to Islam. Great minds across traditions have echoed these truths:
A Universal Lesson for Prosperity and Peace:
Mahatma Gandhi: “The essence of all religions is one. Only their approaches are different.”
Dalai Lama: “Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them.”
Warren Buffett, a legendary investor, once said: “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you'll do things differently.” This applies not only to finance, but to the trust and respect we build between communities.
Rabindranath Tagore: “Faith is the bird that feels the light and sings when the dawn is still dark.”
Financial Harmony—Prosperity Through Unity:
History and economics show that societies flourish when diversity is embraced.
Adam Smith, the father of modern economics, taught that cooperation and mutual respect are the bedrock of thriving markets and societies.
Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Nobel laureate and founder of Grameen Bank, proved that empowering all—regardless of faith—leads to prosperity for everyone.
A Symbol of Hope for the World:
As the Lalmonirhat Deputy Commissioner aptly states, "A mosque and a temple sharing the same courtyard is truly a rare example of peaceful coexistence. People here believe in living with peace and compassion, regardless of their religion. This temple and mosque are a proud symbol of our values and tradition."
It's a place that attracts visitors from far and wide, including foreign envoys, all seeking to witness this extraordinary living example of religious harmony. The vibrant activities and the palpable peace within leave an indelible impression on all who witness it.
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