In a remarkable display of communal harmony and unity, a group of 350 Muslim devotees completed a six-day foot march from Lucknow to Ayodhya, culminating in the paying of obeisance at the revered Ram temple. Led by the Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM), an RSS led Muslim organisation, the devotees embarked on their journey on January 25, braving the biting cold and covering approximately 150 kilometers on foot.
Shahid Saeed, the media in-charge of MRM, revealed that the group chanted ‘Jai Shri Ram’ as they traversed the distance, underscoring their reverence for Sri Ram and their commitment to the spirit of unity. Despite the arduous nature of the journey, the devotees halted every 25 kilometers for rest at night, resuming their pilgrimage fervently each morning.
Upon their arrival in Ayodhya, the devotees, with worn-out shoes and weary feet, paid their respects to the newly consecrated Ram Lalla murti. Saeed remarked that this dignified darshan of Imam-e-Hind Ram would forever remain etched in their memories as a profound and cherished experience. He emphasised that the participation of Muslim worshippers in this pilgrimage conveyed a powerful message of unity, integrity, sovereignty, and harmony.
Following the darshan, MRM convener Raja Raees and provincial coordinator Sher Ali Khan, who spearheaded the group, reiterated the significance of Sri Ram as the common ancestor of all. They emphasised that love for country and humanity transcends the boundaries of religion, caste, and creed, highlighting the inclusive ethos that underpins their pilgrimage.
Raees and Khan unequivocally stated that no religion advocates criticism, mockery, or disdain for others, underscoring the importance of mutual respect and understanding in fostering communal amity. Their resounding message resonated with the essence of the pilgrimage — to celebrate the shared cultural heritage and values that unite communities across diverse faiths.
The unprecedented pilgrimage of Muslim devotees to Ayodhya stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of pluralism and fraternity that defines India’s social fabric. As the nation continues to strive for communal harmony and integration, such gestures serve as beacons of hope and inspiration, reaffirming the timeless principles of coexistence and mutual respect.
The journey undertaken by these devotees not only symbolises a pilgrimage of faith but also a pilgrimage of the heart, bridging divides and fostering a collective spirit of brotherhood and peace.
