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During Namaz, there is one gesture where the index finger is pointed in the direction of Kaaba and recites "ashadualla ilaha illallah wa ashhadu anna muhammadarrasulullah" to reaffirm faith in one God - that’s the only one, "Allah". And to testify that Muhammad is the messenger of God.
While making that gesture, the picture shows a woman holding a trident or trishula.
Trident signifies that Shiva--the enlightened one--is beyond the beyond these three gunas--or quality or tendency--namely Rajas (vitality, passion), Tamas(darkness, destructive) and Sattva (goodness), and the one who holds the three Lokas – Swarg (heaven), Bhu (earth) and Patal (netherworld) together. This is one of the many interpretations.
The trident and the finger together resemble 'Allah' in Arabic script.
The image signifies unity in diversity--religion, languages, caste, creed--that's our greatest asset, our national identity. There are many paths to attain the sacred goal. And that we are different is a reason to celebrate not fight. (Photos: Raul Irani)