As tensions escalate in parts of West Asia, Priyadarshini Hakim, daughter of Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim, posted a 7-minute 54-second video from Madinah, where she is currently performing her first Umrah. In the video shared on Facebook on Saturday morning, she spoke about the contrast between the calm around her and the reports of conflict elsewhere.
‘Ramzan is a month of prayer, not violence’
Speaking after offering Fajr prayers, she said she was deeply disturbed by news of attacks and rising hostilities involving countries such as Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar. Without making political comments, she questioned how violence could unfold during the holy month of Ramzan, when many are fasting and engaged in worship.
“I got to know about this when I was in Umrah. I was not following the world news. I was following the SIR. I wanted to say that Iran attacked Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar. Qatar is on high alert. And other Islamic countries.”
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She said no religion permits the killing of fellow human beings and appealed for humanity to prevail. “In this month, people want to go closer to Allah. How can war begin at such a time?” she said in the video, adding that images circulating online had left her emotional.
A different picture on the ground
Hakim described Madinah as peaceful and welcoming. She spoke about seeing children playing freely in the mosque, women praying, and families spending time together. According to her, people from different countries, languages and cultures were praying side by side.
She also highlighted what she called an atmosphere of trust. Shops, including jewellery and clothing stores, were open during prayer time, and worshippers left their belongings without fear. “That is the faith one human should have in another,” she said.
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‘We are safe’
Addressing concerns, she said she is in Madinah with her mother and daughter and that they are safe. She mentioned that airspace closures had created uncertainty about travel plans, but they intended to complete their Umrah.
“We are absolutely safe. The military force has come out. Our airspace is closed, so we don't really know how to go back. But we plan to carry on our Umrah. And I am in the house of Allah. I am so close. I know He will take care of me. He will make me reach home, whichever home is my home, safely. And I will come back in a safe form, in my true home, for now whichever Allah has decided. So don't worry about me. But pray that humanity prevails.”
Concluding her message, Hakim urged people to pray for peace and understanding, saying she hoped humanity would return to the forefront even in difficult times.
