Muslim family keeps alive true spirit of ‘Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb’

Lord Ganesha and Radha-Krishna’s images on invitation cards, a Jain menu at the reception and marriage ceremony according to Muslim rituals.

This is how a Muslim couple of Jhabua district, 350km west of Bhopal, solemnised the marriage of their son.

The tradition is called “Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb” (a term used for social harmony and co-existence among different communities).

The decision to organise the marriage this way was taken by the bridegroom, Mohammad Saleem, and his elder brother Mohammad Arif with a view to send out a message to all regarding importance of social harmony in the society.

“About a month ago, a clash took place between Hindus and Muslims over a trivial issue. A large number of people were injured in stone pelting. Hence, I decided to go for this kind of ceremony,” said Mohammad Saleem.

Saleem parents, too, supported him in his endeavour.

“Initially, my father was concerned about how our relatives and community would react. Some did raise objections to it, but my family stood by me,” said Saleem.

“When I heard that Saleem wanted to have images of Hindu gods and goddess on invitation cards, I suggested we could also go for a pure vegetarian menu at the reception like the Jains,” said Arif.

Even, people who attend the marriage appreciated the effort.

Arun Jain, a guest a the ceremony, said, “It is a unique example of social harmony. They have revived the ‘Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb’ in the area. In our religion, there are a lot of restrictions on food so I seldom eat outside, but here I enjoyed the food.”

About a month ago, a clash took place between Hindus and Muslims over a trivial issue. A large number of people were injured in stone pelting. Hence, I decided to go for this kind of ceremony

MOHAMMAD SALEEM, groom’s brother