A Message of Peace — Page 28
M ESSAGE OF P EACE 28 abstained from joining this cause, but they also obstructed the passage of Hindu efforts by openly opposing it. Thus mutual enmity increased. I admit that such factors contributed to furthering the enmity which had already existed. But I cannot accept them to be the real reason. I beg to differ with those who believe that religious disputes are not at the root of Hindu-Muslim enmity and discord, and that the disputes are in fact political in nature. Everyone can easily understand why Muslims are reluctant to join forces with Hindus in demanding their due rights and why they have been refusing to join Congress and why again, having perceived the soundness of the Hindu strategy, they began to follow the same path step after step while main- taining a distinct and separate entity, taking great care not to be identified with them. They did not join the Hindus, but created a similar but separate Muslim organisation. 18 Dear Friends! I reassert that the underlying factor respon- sible for this behaviour is religion, and nothing else. If today the same Hindus embrace the Muslims while pronouncing the kalimah Tayyibah : 19 then Muslims would cease to oppose them forthwith. Conversely, if Muslims renounce Islam and embrace Hinduism and start worshipping fire, air, etc. , in accordance 18. The organisation was called Muslim League and was estab- lished in 1906. [Publisher] 19. There is none worthy of worship except Allah; Muhammad is the messenger of Allah. [Publisher]