Gandhi Praised Caliphs Abu Bakar and Umar as Role Models in His 1937 Newspaper
In the July 27, 1937 issue of his weekly journal Harijan, Mahatma Gandhi praised Islamic Caliphs Abu Bakar (RA) and Umar Farooq (RA) as examples of humble and responsible leadership.
In a rare reference to Islamic history, Mahatma Gandhi praised Caliphs Abu Bakar and Umar Farooq as examples of simple and honest leadership.
He made this statement in the July 27, 1937 issue of his weekly journal, Harijan, offering advice to Indian National Congress leaders as they began to hold public office.
In that issue of Harijan, Gandhi wrote:
“I cannot give you the reference of Ram Chandar or Krishna, because they were not considered as historical figures. I cannot help it but to present to you the names of (Hazrat) Abu Bakar (RA) and (Hazrat) Umar Farooq (RA). They were leaders of a vast Empire, yet they lived a life of austerity.” Harijan – Dated: 27.07.1937
This statement came during an important moment in India’s history. In 1937, the Indian National Congress formed governments in several provinces for the first time under British rule, following elections held under the Government of India Act, 1935.
Gandhi, always cautious about the moral health of leaders, urged Congress members not to be consumed by power or luxury. He used the examples of Caliphs Abu Bakar and Umar Farooq to remind them that true leaders live simply and serve the people.
Harijan was Gandhi’s weekly newspaper, launched in 1933 to support his social reform campaigns — especially against untouchability. The journal regularly featured Gandhi’s views on religion, politics, and ethics.
The journal was published in English, along with versions in Hindi (Harijan Sewak) and Gujarati (Harijanbandhu), and ran until 1955.
This was not the only time Gandhi showed appreciation for Islamic values. He often quoted the Quran, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and his companions in speeches and writings.
Direct Amman–Tashkent flight boosts tourist arrivals from Jordan to Uzbekistan
The launch of the first-ever direct flight between the capitals of Jordan and Uzbekistan has marked an important step in strengthening bilateral tourism cooperation and is already delivering its first positive results, reports Dunyo IA.
The inaugural direct Amman–Tashkent flight brought an organized group of around 40 Jordanian tourists to Uzbekistan. During their visit, the guests explored Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara, discovering the country's rich historical and cultural heritage, UNESCO World Heritage sites, national cuisine, and the traditions of the Uzbek people.
The Jordanian visitors praised Uzbekistan's renowned hospitality, the quality of its tourism infrastructure, its high level of safety, and the convenience of the new direct air service, which has significantly reduced travel time and made visiting Uzbekistan more accessible. They were particularly impressed by the architectural ensembles of Samarkand and Bukhara, the modern cityscape of Tashkent, the diversity of Uzbek cuisine, and the warm welcome extended by local residents.
According to tourism industry representatives, the launch of direct flights between Amman and Tashkent creates new opportunities for expanding two-way tourist exchanges. Uzbekistan is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for travellers from the Middle East, thanks to its unique combination of rich history, well-developed tourism infrastructure, a visa-free regime for Jordanian citizens, and its expanding international air connectivity.
The number of visitors from Jordan is expected to grow steadily in the coming months. Tour operators in both countries are already developing new travel packages featuring cultural and heritage tours, gastronomic experiences, family holidays, and pilgrimage itineraries.
