18, Jan 2025 | CJP Team

In a world often divided by religious and cultural differences, countless stories beautifully embody mutual respect and unity. One such story is that of Mohammad Abdul Yaseen, a 74-year-old Muslim engraver in Mumbai. For years, Yaseen has skilfully chiselled Hebrew characters onto Jewish tombstones, preserving the legacy of the Bene Israel community. His expertise, learned under his Jewish mentor Aaron Menashe, reflects the peaceful coexistence of Jews and Muslims in Mumbai. Yaseen’s unwavering commitment highlights the deep bonds that transcend religious divides.

In Parbatipur, near Kolkata, Muslims and Hindus unite to create hair for Durga idols used in Durga Puja celebrations, preserving a unique tradition that showcases how art can unite people of diverse faiths. Similarly, Hindu calligrapher Anil Kumar Chawhan in Hyderabad has spent over two decades painting Quranic verses on mosque walls, fostering communal harmony and respect between religions.

Amidst the systematic hate leading to growing anger and despair, it is important to showcase a lived reality of camaraderie, equality and sharing which is the bedrock of the Indian Constitution and secularism. That way we not only hold on to every thread of hope, but effectively project these narratives, lest we lose our will to fight the good fight. As part of our #EverydayHarmony series, CJP brings you instances where Indians share and care, every single day… our food, our businesses, our homes and our friendships. This instances show how we Indians continue to reject hateful and divisive agendas even while street violence and social media are used as part of a sinister, hate-filled political agenda to tell us otherwise. Let’s reinforce India’s everyday lived reality, and through that collectively and aggressively, uphold and defend a unique pluralism, a diverse culture and truly secular values. Donate now to help us combat hate and prejudice!

In Bihar’s Dumrawan village, the Paswan family has maintained a century-old mosque for over 30 years, despite the village’s shift to a Hindu majority. Their dedication exemplifies the enduring power of shared cultural and spiritual respect. Lastly, the ‘Chali Mukte,’ 40 Sikh soldiers who returned to fight for righteousness in 1705, remind us that humanity transcends religious   boundaries, and faith should always serve the greater good.

Mumbai’s Muslim engraver of Jewish tombstones: a legacy of mutual respect

On a bright February morning in Mumbai’s Worli, 74-year-old Mohammad Abdul Yaseen was chiselling Hebrew characters into a grey stone slab in a small Jewish cemetery. Surrounded by tombstones with inscriptions in Hebrew, Marathi, and English, Yaseen’s meticulous work embodied both dedication and cultural harmony. As a devout Muslim, he is the only expert engraver of Jewish tombstones in Maharashtra, showcasing the deep bonds between different communities in the region. His expertise serves the Bene Israel community, a group of Jews who have lived along the Konkan Coast for two millennia, despite their dwindling numbers today.

Yaseen’s unique connection with the Bene Israel community reflects Mumbai’s long history of peaceful coexistence between Jews and Muslims. His mentor, Aaron Menashe, a Bene Israel tombstone maker, not only taught him the craft but also introduced him to the Hebrew language. Yaseen’s work continues to reflect the mutual respect shared between these communities, living side by side in neighbourhoods like Bhendi Bazaar, where synagogues and mosques have coexisted for centuries. Choosing to remain in Mumbai despite offers from Israel, Yaseen’s life stands as a testament to cultural harmony, with a simple, honest living dedicated to peace.

Harmony in craft: a village that unites through tradition, celebrates unity and diversity

In India, where religious tensions often make headlines, Parbatipur, a small village near Howrah, stands as a powerful symbol of unity and diversity. Situated just 30 km from Kolkata, this village is renowned for its unique tradition of creating the lustrous hair for Maa Durga idols, an essential element of Durga Puja celebrations. As per The Statesman, “The amazing fact about the art of making hair is that it is made primarily by the Muslims,” highlighting how this small community has transcended religious barriers to contribute to the festival’s grandeur. While the work began in the 1960s under the guidance of Ekhlas Chacha, a Muslim craftsman, it now involves the entire village, regardless of faith. Parbatipur’s success story is a shining example of how communities can come together to preserve cultural practices and create something beautiful, celebrating harmony amid differences.

The craft of Durga’s hair

The hair of Maa Durga idols, crafted from dyed jute bales, plays an integral role in the grandeur of Durga Puja celebrations, with its long, flowing mane symbolizing feminine beauty. As per The Statesman, “At present, the villagers make hair for almost 30,000 Durga idols,” reflecting the widespread demand for their craft. The process involves colouring the jute bales, drying them, and cutting them into different sizes, all performed with precision by the local Muslim artisans. The fact that this craft has brought together people of varying religious backgrounds to support a shared cultural tradition makes it a testament to the strength of India’s unity and diversity, showcasing that in their hands, art transcends religion.

Harmonious unity through Art: A Hindu Calligrapher’s journey of peace

For over two decades, Anil Kumar Chawhan, a Hindu calligrapher from Hyderabad, has been a powerful symbol of harmonious unity, painting Quranic verses on the walls of mosques across the city. His journey began humbly with painting Urdu signboards for shops, leading him to master the art of calligraphy and learn the language. Chawhan’s work gained recognition when he was invited to paint the Masjid-e-Noor Mosque, marking the start of his impactful contributions to the religious landscape of Hyderabad.

His calligraphy, including verses from Surah Yaseen at Jamia Nizamia University’s library, has bridged the gap between communities, resonating with people of all faiths. Chawhan’s unwavering dedication to promoting communal harmony reflects the true spirit of unity. “Hindus and Muslims should live in peace,” he says, embodying a message of love, respect, and understanding through his art.

Link: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19YAVDxqpt/

Everyday Harmony: A Hindu family’s legacy of caring for a Mosque

In Bihar’s Nalanda district, the Paswan family of Dumrawan village stands as a powerful testament to communal harmony. Despite the village’s transformation, from a once-Muslim community to an entirely Hindu one, the Paswan family has faithfully maintained a century-old mosque for over 30 years. This tradition, passed down from their ancestors, continues with unwavering dedication, as Anil Paswan, his wife Sadhna Devi, and their son Durgesh Kumar care for the mosque, from cleaning to lighting incense, despite their modest means.

Their heartfelt commitment exemplifies the spirit of unity and respect across communities, proving that harmony can thrive even in changing times. The Paswan family’s legacy is a shining example of how shared cultural and spiritual respect can transcend boundaries, creating an enduring symbol of peace and coexistence.

Link: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Ajdn86FGS/

Humanity has no religion

In a world where debates often spark endless, meaningless arguments, it’s essential to remember that humanity has no religion. Our shared values, kindness, and respect for each other’s differences are what truly define us. Take the story of the 40 Sikh soldiers, who once parted ways with Guru Gobind Singh Ji, as an example. These 40 brave souls, leaving Anandpur Sahib Qila, later became known as ‘Chali Mukte’, after returning to fight valiantly during the Battle of Muktsar in 1705. With deep repentance and unwavering courage, they sacrificed their lives for righteousness, ultimately earning eternal liberation (Mukti). Their story serves as a powerful reminder that faith and humanity transcend religion.

In the age of social media, it’s easy to get caught up in divisive conversations in comment sections, but let’s take a step back and remember the true essence of life: humanity. Regardless of background, faith, or beliefs, we are all united in our shared human experiences. Let’s embrace each other’s differences, celebrate our collective strengths, and foster unity, for humanity has no religion.

Link: https://www.instagram.com/the_colorful_singh/

However, in a world often defined by religious and cultural divides, the stories of individuals and communities embracing unity and mutual respect offer a hopeful reminder of our shared humanity. From the dedication of Mohammad Abdul Yaseen, chiselling Hebrew characters on Jewish tombstones, to the Paswan family’s unwavering care for a mosque in a Hindu-majority village, these acts transcend religious boundaries. The unity witnessed in Parbatipur, where Muslims and Hindus work together on Durga Puja hair, and in Hyderabad, where a Hindu calligrapher paints Quranic verses, highlights the power of art and tradition in fostering peace. The bravery of the ‘Chali Mukte,’ Sikh soldiers who fought for righteousness, reminds us that faith should serve the greater good of humanity. These stories show that despite our differences, we can find common ground through respect, love, and shared cultural practices. As we embrace diversity, we celebrate the universal truth: humanity, above all, has no religion.

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