26
Islam came to India peacefully. There was no fighting in its wake as it hap-
pened in other countries. Politically great emperors might stand arrayed
against one another. But Islam came to India peacefully with its message and
was greeted with friendliness by India, as it had been the tradition in this
land, and given a place in the country. Islam has existed in India since then.
(Selected Works of Jawaharlal Nehru, Series Two, vol. 31: 399)King Saud’s visit was followed by Nehru’s in September 1956 amidst
the brewing Suez crisis. Nasser had nationalized the Suez Canal and
reflecting the prevailing mood in the region, Nehru and Saud agreed on
the need for a political settlement without the threat or use of force (India,
MEA 1956 ). The crowning moment of the three-day visit came when the
Indian prime minister was greeted with a slogan Marhaba Rasool as-Salam
(Welcome, the Messenger of Peace). Referring to Nehru as ‘Messenger of
Peace’ evoked criticisms from Pakistan which argued that it was an affront
and insult to Prophet Mohammed, a criticism vehemently rejected by
Saudi Arabia (Heptullah 1991 ).
Nehru’s meeting with King Saud on 25 September 1956 was domi-
nated by the ongoing crisis in the region following Nasser’s nationaliza-
tion of the Suez Canal and both sides agreed `the legitimate rights of
Egypt.’ According to the record of their conversation, the “King had a
talk with Nasser the day before (24 September)” and briefed Nehru about
his conversation with the Egyptian leader. Domestic Indian issue also fig-
ured in their deliberations and King Saud “referred to discussions between
him and the Prime Minister about the treatment of Muslims during the
King’s last visit to India (Selected Works of Jawaharlal Nehru, Series Two,
vol. 35, p. 491). He expressed a hope that the assurances which the Prime
Minister had then given him were being implemented” (ibid., 491). The
leaders referred to the domestic controversy over the publication of the
book Religious Leaders authored by two Americans which evoked uproar
among the Muslims (ibid., 253–71).
In the reception given by Indian residents in Jeddah on 26 September,
Nehru remarked that the “message of religion, culture and trade that went
forth from this ancient land has great impact on the history of the world”
(ibid., 492). He went on to observe that there “are 40 million inhabitants
in India owing allegiance to this great religion, Islam... while naturally
they owe allegiance to this great religion, they are also in the political and
national fields, sons and citizens of the Indian Republic” (ibid., 492).
P. R. KUMARASWAMY AND MD. M. QUAMAR