As the Gaddi Nashin of Ajmer Sharif, one of India’s most revered Islamic spiritual centres, often described as the heart of Indian Muslims, I have always believed that spirituality has the power to transcend borders, heal divisions, and unite hearts. This belief was reaffirmed when I had the honour of representing India’s rich Islamic and spiritual heritage at the International Conference on Building Bridges Between Islamic Thoughts in Makkah al-Mukarramah.
Gathering under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and hosted by the Muslim World League, aligning with the vision of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030, which promotes moderation, unity, peace, and progressive harmony in the Muslim world and humanity at large. This historic event brought together Islamic scholars, muftis, and faith leaders from over 90 countries. We convened to discuss The Jurisprudence of Differences and the Culture of Coalition — a theme deeply relevant to the challenges facing the Muslim Ummah today.
As I stood among some of the most distinguished scholars of our time, I carried with me the centuries-old message of Indian Islam: love for all, malice towards none as reflected in the The noble honourifics salutation of our beloved Prophet Muhammed (Peace Be Upon Him) as “Rahmatul al Alameen” which is enlivened across Indian Subcontinent as the spiritual teachings of Shaikh Syed Khawaja Moinuddin Chishty al Hasani wal Hussaini(r) of Ajmer Sharif since last 800 years, as it continue to inspire not only Indian Muslims but also millions across the world who seek a path of peace and inclusivity.
Islam is thriving in India
Too often, global narratives fail to recognise the reality of Islam in India — a land where the faith has flourished for over a thousand years, not just in numbers but in its vibrant cultural and spiritual expressions. With over 200 million Muslims, India is home to one of the world’s largest Islamic populations. More importantly, it is a country where our faith is deeply intertwined with the nation’s pluralistic fabric.
From the grand mosques of New Delhi to the humble Islamic Center’s of Kashmir to Kerala, from the Quranic scholarship of Deoband to the mystical poetry of Hazrat Amir Khusrau, Indian Islam is as diverse as the land itself. It is a living testament to the spirit of coexistence. Despite differences in jurisprudence and practice, Indian Muslims have upheld the essence of Adab al-Ikhtilaf—the etiquette of respectful disagreement.
This is precisely what I emphasised in Makkah. If we, as an Ummah, wish to strengthen our bond, we must embrace diversity within Islam as a source of strength rather than division. Across the world great Islamic traditions in the past have always flourished through dialogue, not discord.
The enduring relevance of Islamic spiritual traditions
Islamic spiritual traditions, which has shaped the Indian Muslim experience for centuries, remains one of the most powerful tools for fostering unity in an increasingly fragmented world. Since the 12th century, across in Indian subcontinent, it has always emphasised service to humanity, compassion, and the unbreakable bond of divine love.
In today’s times, when extremism and sectarian conflicts threaten to divide us, the practical teachings and values of Islamic spiritual sciences hold even greater relevance. The noble teachers and practitioners of faith across Indian subcontinent in the past did not preach in ivory towers; they walked among the people, breaking bread with the poor, offering shelter to the weary, and spreading a message of inclusivity. Their lives were a testament to the Quranic verse:
“And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.” (Surah Aal-E-Imran 3:103)
This is the same message I carried to Makkah, urging scholars and leaders to prioritize unity, social service, and intra-faith dialogue over sectarian divisions.
It is heartening to see that the importance of Islamic spiritual traditions is also recognized at the highest levels of Indian leadership. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken on multiple occasions about the role moderation and inclusivity has played in shaping India’s Islamic traditions. Addressing the World Sufi Forum in 2016, he aptly remarked: “Islamic Spiritual traditions as noble path of Sufism (Tassawaf) is the voice of peace, co-existence, and compassion. It is the antidote to forces of extremism. The world must embrace it.”
His government has supported efforts to preserve our Spiritual heritage, recognizing that it represents the best of India’s Islamic traditions—traditions that do not just belong to Muslims but to the spiritual fabric of the entire nation.
A call for global Islamic unity
The conference in Makkah concluded with the adoption of the Encyclopedia of Islamic Intellectual Harmony, a landmark initiative aimed at fostering scholarly collaboration and mutual understanding. The Declaration on Building Bridges — a foundational guide for joint Islamic action — was also approved, reaffirming the need for intra-faith unity.
I extended my deepest gratitude to Sheikh Dr. Muhammad bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa, Secretary General of the Muslim World League, for his leadership in bringing this initiative to life. I also thanked Sheikh Abdul Rahman ibn Abdul Aziz al-Sudais, the Chief Imam of Masjid al-Haram in Makkah and the President of the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques for his wise words on the importance of moderation, peace, and harmony.
At Ajmer Sharif in India, we have always believed that our mission goes beyond national borders. The Islamic spiritual message is not bound by geography; it is universal. It is this very spirit that India, with its long history of religious coexistence, continues to embody.
As I return from Makkah, I carry renewed hope that the bridges we built at this conference will lead to lasting change. The world is in dire need of spiritual guidance that unites rather than divides. And if there is one lesson Indian Islam has to offer, it is this: The path to God is paved with love, and in love, there is no place for division. (Khaleej Times)