Quoting eminent Sufi scholars and referring to the idea of compassion contained in Islam, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed upon the idea of universal brotherhood to counter global terrorism.
Modi talked about the inclusivity enshrined in the Indian culture that welcomed all faiths. Welcoming the scholars from across the Islamic world here to attend the World Sufi Conference, Modi extolled India’s belief in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (world is one family), a message also enshrined in Holy Quran.
Speaking in gathering of Sufi and Islamic scholars from across the world, Modi was lavish in his praise of Islam. The central theme of PM’s speech were bringing out the teachings of Islam, particularly the Sufism that spoke about peace and compassion, as he stressed on fight against terrorism.
He reminded that tens of thousands of families have lost their loved ones in thousands of terrorist incidents globally. “Last year alone, I am talking about 2015, over 90 countries experienced terrorist attacks. Parents in 100 countries live with the daily pain of their children lost to the battlefields of Syria...
Every year, we spend over 100 billion dollars on securing the world from terrorism, money that should have been spent on building lives of the poor. The impact cannot be fully captured in statistics alone,” PM said in his impassioned appeal to fight terrorism through compassion.
As countries across the world bear the brunt from Islamic terrorists, Prime Minister stressed that fight against terrorism was not a confrontation against any religion. “It is a struggle between the values of humanism and the forces of inhumanity. It is not a conflict to be fought only through military, intelligence or diplomatic means. It is also a battle that must be won through the strength of our values and the real message of religions,” Prime Minister said amidst applause from the audience.
The three-day conference would discuss the central message of Islam, Sufism, and means to denounce terrorism.
Prime Minister was lavish in his praise of Islam. Stressing on the diversity and harmony, PM said, “...Its message is beyond the confines of schools and sects. It’s a spiritual quest that traces its origin from the Holy Prophet and the fundamental values of Islam, which literally means peace.
“And, it reminds us that when we think of the 99 names of Allah, none stand for force and violence, and that the first two names denote compassionate and merciful. Allah is Rahman and Raheem. “
Referring to the gathered scholars and Sufi leaders, PM said you represent the rich diversity of the Islamic civilization that stands on the solid bedrock of a great religion.
“It is a civilization that reached great heights by the 15th century in science, medicine, literature, art, architecture and commerce. It drew on the immense talents of its people and also Islam’s engagement with diverse civilizations ... including Buddhism and Indian philosophy and science.”
Modi quoted Sufi saints like Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, Moinmuddin Chisti, Sufi peots like Saadi and Aamir Khusrow who have huge followings in the Indian subcontinent to highlight the inclusive message.
Prime Minister called upon the role played by the Sufis in fighting the terrorism and being a healer. “Sufism is a celebration of diversity and pluralism, expressed in the words of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, that every people has its own path of truth, beliefs and focus of reverence. These words reflect the divine message to the Holy Prophet that there is no compulsion in religion; And also that to every people we have appointed ways of worship which they observe,” he added.