H.E. Sheikh Muhammad bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa, Secretary General of the Muslim World League and President of the International Islamic Halal Organization arrived from Saudia Arabia on a five-day visit to India.
During his stay in New Delhi, he made a special three-hour visit to Swaminarayan Akshardham to witness the splendour of Indian art, architecture, culture and values, and India’s glorious contributions to the world. It was also his personal wish to interact with the swamis regarding world peace, harmony and coexistence.
On behalf of Param Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj, His Excellency was warmly greeted and welcomed at the Mayur Dwar by Brahmaviharidas Swami and Dharmavatsaldas Swami. He was extremely delighted to meet Brahmaviharidas Swami again after their last interaction in Riyadh, Saudia Arabia, at the very first of its kind global interfaith conference in 2022.
His Excellency was fascinated by the design of the stone parikrama and the meaningful carvings of Akshardham together with the scale and detail of the work. He was interested to know about the life, works and messages of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and the gurus of BAPS, especially HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj saying, “His eyes say it all. The message of calm, peace and harmony flows out from his aura.”
He walked around the Gajendra Pith and appreciated the values of religious harmony and family unity. Also, the Sanskruti Vihar boat ride that displays the thousands of years of Vedic culture and its final message of ‘The world is one family’ resonated well with His Excellency’s heart.
In addition, His Excellency was extremely happy to sit with Brahmaviharidas Swami for a dialogue on shared values of human harmony and common goals for a peaceful world. While appreciating the ongoing global social and spiritual work of the BAPS Sanstha, he was deeply touched by the spiritual vows of the swamis and how humility and spirituality can help create world peace and harmony. He was delighted to learn about the upcoming iconic and historic BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi and how it is destined to become a spiritual oasis for global harmony. He expressed his deep satisfaction with his visit, “India is a great example of Unity in Diversity and my visit to Akshardham - a place of worship, full of love, peace and harmony, sums it up.” A special golden Amrut Kalash – a pot of perfection was presented with prayers for peace and a miniature model of Akshardham was gifted.
His Excellency concluded his visit by watching the magnificent multimedia Sahaj-Anand Water Show, and shared his commitment to collectively create a happier and more peaceful world.