National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval highlighted the importance of free-flowing thoughts to prevent religious conflicts, underscoring that open-minded discourse is essential for resolving conflicts tied to religious identities. Speaking on the topic at the New Delhi World Book Fair, Ajit Doval stressed that nations and societies should introspect and engage in conflict resolution to avoid division based on religious beliefs.
His comments came during the release of the Hindi version of ‘Islam Authoritarianism: Underdevelopment – A Global and Historical Comparison,’ authored by Turkish-American scholar Ahmet T Kuru. The book, which delves into the complex relationship between state power and religion, was published by the Khusro Foundation. Ajit Doval’s remarks focused on the broader issues that arise when the state and religion are in conflict. He suggested that the relationship between the two has been a longstanding global issue, noting that such conflicts are not unique to Islam, but can be found across different religions.
While discussing the book’s theme, Ajit Doval elaborated on the historical role of the state and the clergy, drawing attention to the clarity observed during the Abbasid rule regarding the relationship between governance and religious authority. He pointed out that the Abbasids had clear distinctions between political and religious powers, an example that could provide valuable lessons for modern societies.
Former Union Minister MJ Akbar, who was also present at the event, expressed his views on the role of Sufism in Islam, emphasizing its peaceful nature. Akbar remarked that Sufism promotes a relationship based on harmony, not hostility, which he believes is crucial for fostering better understanding and dialogue between religious communities.
Ajit Doval’s and Akbar’s insights at the book release event reflect an ongoing dialogue about the intersection of religion and state, advocating for greater reflection on how societies can better manage religious diversity to avoid the divisive impacts of authoritarianism. The release of Kuru’s book in Hindi marks an important step in furthering this conversation, with the goal of creating a more nuanced understanding of Islam’s history and its interaction with political systems worldwide.
