The Indo Islamic Heritage Center recently organized a webinar titled Understanding Indian religions by a Levant scholar in a special context to Islam. Father Monk Antonio Hanania, the Patriarch of the Syrian Orthodox Church of Damascus, spoke at the webinar and acknowledged India’s rich philosophical traditions and diverse cultural expressions that have a profound impact on millions of people’s lives.
India is known for religious diversity, where people of different faiths coexist and interact, creating a pluralistic environment for the exchange of ideas, rituals, and traditions between different religious communities. This exchange fosters a unique synthesis of beliefs and practices. Antonio noted that Indian religions, including Islam, offer profound philosophical insights and spiritual teachings that explore the nature of existence, the purpose of life, and the pursuit of spiritual growth.
These traditions delve into questions of morality, ethics, and the ultimate nature of reality, and provide individuals with guidance and meaning. Indian religions, including Islam, emphasize values such as compassion, tolerance, justice, and respect for all beings, promoting social harmony, empathy, and a sense of responsibility towards others, encouraging individuals to lead ethical lives and contribute positively to society.
The chair of the webinar, the Director of IIHC, and Gaddi Nasheen of Dargah Khwaja Saheb Ajmer Shareef, Professor, noted that Indian religions have a long history of syncretism, where ideas, beliefs, and practices from different faiths blend and influence one another. This has given rise to unique expressions of spirituality and fostered interfaith dialogue, promoting mutual understanding, respect, and cooperation among different religious communities.
Dr. Shujaat Ali Quadri, Deputy Director of IIHC, hosted the webinar. The event’s purpose was to provide an open platform for scholars and experts to exchange perspectives on Indian religions and their special context in Islam. The webinar was successful in promoting cross-cultural understanding and peace-building initiatives among different religious communities.
