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.
Popular German online publication “Hauptstadtecho” published an article dedicated to the first International Forum of Islamic Civilization “The Path of peace, tolerance and enlightenment” held in Uzbekistan, as well as the appeal of its participants to the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, reports Dunyo IA.
Publication notes that the forum participants particularly emphasized the significance of the work carried out on the initiative of the Head of State to study, preserve and internationally popularize the rich scientific, spiritual and cultural heritage of the Islamic civilization.
In their Appeal, nearly 300 representatives from more than 50 countries - heads of authoritative international organizations, foreign scientific and educational institutions, ministers, muftis, prominent scholars, as well as representatives of universities, research institutes, libraries, museums and cultural centers - expressed their deep respect and sincere appreciation to the President of Uzbekistan.
Forum participants emphasized that the forum, organized on the initiative of the Head of State, went far beyond the scope of a traditional scientific conference in its content, international significance and prospective impact, becoming an important stage in the development of global scientific and humanitarian cooperation.
It is noted that the ideas and principles set forth in the address of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to the forum participants defined the agenda of the event and created a solid spiritual and intellectual foundation for a meaningful dialogue and effective international scientific interaction.
Appeal particularly emphasizes that holding the forum in Tashkent, Samarkand, and Termez lent it a special historical and scientific significance. It was on this land that theology, philosophy, medicine, mathematics, astronomy and other sciences flourished for centuries, and outstanding thinkers and scholars made an invaluable contribution to the development of world civilization.
Forum participants also noted the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan, put forward in 2017 at the 72nd session of the UN General Assembly, to establish the Center of Islamic Civilization, calling it one of the most significant international humanitarian initiatives of the past decade.
In their opinion, the implementation of this initiative has opened up new opportunities for the objective study and wide dissemination of the Islamic civilization's contribution to the development of world science, culture and spirituality.
It is noted that the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan is becoming not only a world-class scientific and educational institution but also a global intellectual platform uniting states, international organizations, scholars, universities, research institutes, museums and libraries. The participants expressed confidence that in the future, Center will take a worthy place among the leading international humanitarian institutions.
In conclusion, the appeal expressed confidence that the decisions made on the ancient land of Uzbekistan will contribute to strengthening peace, enlightenment, mutual respect, and cooperation between peoples, as well as preserving and passing on to future generations the great spiritual and intellectual heritage of the Islamic civilization.