Secularism & Inter Religious Harmony
Opinion
Islam in Democracy

In India it is secular democracy which shapes contour of Islam in contemporary period and even during medieval ages Sufis adopted Islam to Indian cultural milieu and those ulama who believed in Puritanism never succeeded despite their associating with ruling establishment. Thus we do not find extremist movements thriving in India at any period of time though Islam flourished in India abundantly.

By Dr Asghar Ali Engineer more»
Opinion
COMMUNAL RIOTS DURING THE YEAR THAT WAS (2008) – December 17, 2009 - It must be said that police role was extremely partisan and the SP of the region was heard saying I have taught lesson to these Muslims and they will not be able to raise their head for next 10 years. These words were uttered before our investigator (convener of All India Secular Forum, Maharashtra unit) Suresh Khairnar. more»
Opinion
How Secular is India Today – December 17, 2009 - We celebrated UPA's victory specially because it was supported by the left which is the only hope for Indian secularism. However, left has withdrawn its support on nuclear issue and once again we are feeling suffocated in the communally surcharged state of affairs in India. Today be it communal riots or terrorist attacks most of the newspapers and T.V. channels publish police version unabashedly as if it is ultimate truth. The situation is indeed very grave and unless secular forces unite and play determined role things can get far more worse. Dr Asghar Ali Engineer more»
Opinion
Religion and Conflict –

What is relation between religion and conflict? Is conflict inevitable where religion has greater role in public life? Religion, howsoever important for society cannot be prior to it. Religion came to answer certain human and social needs. It is my considered opinion that religion in some form or the other would be needed even in most scientifically and technologically advanced society.

By: Dr Asghar Ali Engineer more»
Publication
Muslim-Hindu Dialogue: Issues-Queries-Arguments – This special publication on Hindu-Muslim relations is a compilation of a series of chat sessions. Such sessions, called added in Bangla, are essentially unstructured. But conversations are never really held at random to cover every subject on earth. They do cover certain topics, things that people think are important. The dangers arising from difference between various group or communities are nothing new in this world. But when we discuss how these differences are exploited politically in the interests of power lobbies, we limit our talk to the ideology and strategy of people and parties in power. Although the discussions were meant to be about both Hindus and Muslims, much more was said about the Muslim community. more»