While commenting on Islam, the Nobel Laureate poet Rabindranath Tagore once said, “Two or three different religions claim that only their own religions are true and all other religions are false and their religions are only ways to Heaven. Hence conflict with them cannot be avoided. Such, fundamentalism tries to abolish all other religions. This is called Bolshevism in religion.” [Essay “Atma Parichay”].
In another occasion, Tagore said [In a letter to Sri Kalidas Nag, in Complete Works of Rabindranath (Bengali), Viswabharati University , 1982, 24:375, tr. author]:
“There are two religions on the earth, which have distinct enmity against all other religions. These two are Christianity and Islam. They are not satisfied with just observing their own religions, but are determined to destroy all other religions. That’s why the only way to make peace with them is to embrace their religion.”
Tagore also observed [Interview of Rabindranath, Times of India, April 18, 1924]:
“A very important factor which is making it almost impossible for Hindu-Muslim unity to become an accomplished fact is that the Muslim can not confine their patriotism to any one country. I had frankly asked the Muslims whether in the event of any Mohammedan power invading India, would they (Muslims) stand side by side with their Hindu neighbors to defend their common land or join the invaders. I was not satisfied with the reply I have obtained from them….. Even such a man as Mr. Mohammed Ali (one of the famous Ali brothers, the leaders of the Khilafat Movement) has declared that under no circumstances it is permissible for any Mohammedan, whatever be his country, to stand against any Mohammedan”.
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