Ajmer Dargah Diwan Syed Zainul Abedin on Tuesday, 19 May called for an end to hatred, radicalism, and extremism, urging citizens to embrace love, communal harmony, and national identity at the 'Mera Mulk, Meri Pehchan' (My Country, My Identity) programme in Ajmer, Rajasthan. The event was organised by the All India Sufi Sajjada Nashin Council and brought together saints, spiritual leaders, social workers, and senior administrative officials from diverse faiths.

Key Developments at the Ajmer Event

The gathering convened at a city that Diwan Syed Zainul Abedin described as uniquely positioned in India's spiritual landscape — home to both the revered Ajmer Sharif Dargah and the globally renowned Brahma Temple, coexisting as enduring symbols of interfaith harmony. He said any message emerging from Ajmer carries deep significance, given the city's centuries-old tradition of love, Sufism, and unity.

Senior officials present included Divisional Commissioner Shakti Singh Rathore, District Collector Lokbandhu, and religious leader Shyam Sundar Acharya, alongside representatives from multiple faith communities.

What the Dargah Diwan Said

Addressing the gathering, the Diwan declared that no religion teaches or supports terrorism, and stressed that the growing global tide of extremism must be resisted collectively. He reframed the concept of jihad, stating that if one wishes to wage it, the effort should be directed toward children's education, poverty eradication, and social reform — not violence.

He also argued that if zakat (Islamic charitable contributions) were channelled effectively, Ajmer and Rajasthan could serve as models of development and social welfare. 'India is home to many religions, languages, and cultures, but above all, we are Indians first,' he said.

Referring to Islamic teachings, the Diwan stated that the Holy Quran and the teachings of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad emphasise loyalty to one's country. He urged people to understand the teachings of their own faith before criticising others, adding that all religions ultimately preach humanity, compassion, and brotherhood.

Ajmer's Tradition of Communal Harmony

The Diwan highlighted several living traditions that embody the Dargah's inclusive ethos. He noted that the Basant festival tradition continues within the Chishti Sufi order, that Hindi qawwalis are still performed at the Dargah during spiritual gatherings, and that the custom of preparing sweet prasad in the Dargah's giant cauldrons — known as Degs — was originally initiated with Hindu devotees in mind. This comes amid a broader national conversation about interfaith relations, making the symbolism of these shared traditions particularly notable.

Global Concerns and the Call to Act

The Diwan also addressed international affairs, raising concerns about global power politics and what he described as destabilising United States policies. He said the world is increasingly witnessing conflict, war, and instability, and called on humanity to unite against forces spreading unrest and violence worldwide.

Calling for collective action, he said the movement to eliminate social divisions should begin from Ajmer — a spiritual centre for people of multiple faiths — and concluded by praying for peace, progress, and brotherhood across the country. The 'Mera Mulk, Meri Pehchan' programme, he said, is not merely a slogan but a shared responsibility and identity for every Indian citizen.