American Muslims Express their Gratitude to highest body of Sikh Community for their worldwide Humanitarian Efforts

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  • 10Jan
    2019

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American Muslims Express their Gratitude to highest body of Sikh Community for their worldwide Humanitarian Efforts

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by Dr.Aslam Abdullah

A delegation of the members of the American Federation of Muslims of Indian Origin (AFMI) visited the Golden Temple, Amritsar in India to pay tribute to Sikh leadership for its pioneering work in serving the displaced people all around the world including Rohingyas, Yemenis, Iraqis and Syrians.

The delegation was warmly received by the leadership and immensely appreciated. In the discussion that took place, the participants emphasized the need to develop better relations between the two communities to serve humanity.

The two sides realized that there exist bitterness in the relationship consequent to untoward happenings in the past but agreed to iron out the differences and work for improved relationships.

The Golden Temple is the center of Sikhism. More than one hundred thousand people visit the Temple daily to worship. The management offers free food to all visitors that is called langar. It is a tradition that is followed in all the Sikh places of worship called Gurdawara. The food is served by volunteers as part of their devotion to God. Thousands of volunteer come to the Golden Temple from different parts of the world to offer their services voluntarily in different areas of work such as shoe polishing, cleaning, washing dishes.
The visit was arranged by Sardar Teji Malik, a prominent member of the Interfaith community in the US.
During the visit, the delegation witnessed various aspects of Sikh worship and devotion. They also visited the spot where Sardar Bhindranwale was killed inside the Temple by the Indian Army in 1984 during the reign of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Devotees offer their tribute to the memorial. One of the highlights of the Golden Temple is a space where people from different walks to life are given an opportunity to share their talents with the community. While on one side the devotees worship, on the other side, artists, writers, singers and public servants share their views with the visiting public.
It is interesting to note that all the food served at the Temple is vegetarian and organically produced as it is grown on the land owned by it.
The delegation included Dr. Nakadar, Dr. Qutbuddin, Dr. Iqbal Ahmed, Dr. Razia Ahmed, Nahid Ahmed, Dr. Aslam Abdullah, Siraj Thakur and Ayub Khan.

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