Our country has seen many instances of religion being dragged into situations and created into bigger issues. Radicalists have been using religion as a tool to provoke thoughts against each other. But there are some instances which go beyond the realm of religion and serves hope to the society. As the state of Kerala is going through its toughest time due to the incessant rains and floods, the Muslims in the state found respite as temples opened the doors for them to offer their namaz. Eid al-Adha or Bakra Eid is a very important day for Muslims all over. They offer prayers and have an elaborate celebration. With some mosques in several areas, still underwater, the temples welcomed the Muslims to offer their Eid namaz. Operation Jalaraksha-2: Kerala Policemen to Adopt One Flood-Hit Family Each to Help Them Rehabilitate. 

The state is receiving help from all over the country and the rescue efforts are ongoing, as the rains have stopped. The Keralite Muslims however, have no chance of any celebrations of the special day. Understanding the grave circumstances, a temple in Thrissur district served a great example of harmony, as they opened the doors so that the Muslims in the area could offer their namaz for the festive day. The Purappillikavu Rakteshwari Temple in Mala had Muslims offering their Eid prayers in the compound hall. People in Chengannur Bows to Fishermen for Saving Their Lives.

The Muslim community was thankful to the temple authorities for letting them pray in the premises. The neighbouring mosques are in a very bad state due to the deluge and there was no chance of them going to pray there. A temple official was quoted to Indiatimes, "We are all humans first. Not just in the face of such a tragedy, we should always remember that we are all the children of one God. I hope to see such harmony prevail in the coming days too,  where we can work together on relief and offering help to people still in need."

The incidence is such a fine example of religious unity when some others are busy spewing venom even in times of tragedy. Such incidences bring in the sense of brotherhood that we pledge about and 'unity in diversity' the phrase we pride in as Indians.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 22, 2018 04:43 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).