World Sufi Forum: Fight against terrorism is not confrontation against any religion, says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated the World Sufi Forum in New Delhi where more than 200 Indian and international delegates, including Sufi Shuyukh, spiritual leaders, scholars, academicians and masters of Sufism, have gathered.

The four-day event is being organised by All India Ulama and Mashaikh Board (AIUMB), the apex body of Sufi Dargahs in India. The meeting is expected to debate how Sufi teaching can prevent global terrorism. The conclave will also debate on how to guide the Muslim community away from sectarian division. 

Speaking at the forum, PM Modi said that Sufism is the celebration of diversity and pluralism. Reiterating the idea of inclusion in India, Modi said, "All our people, Hindu, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, Parsis, believers, non-believers, are an integral part of India."  In the same vein he highlighted virtues of Islam by saying, "Of the 99 names of Allah, none stand for force or violence. The first two names of Allah are compassionate and merciful. Allah is Rahman and Allah is Rahim."

He also heaped generous praise on Sufi faith saying:

When young laughter is silenced by guns on the streets, you are the voice that heals: PM Modi at World Sufi Forum pic.twitter.com/WBMOrU3qvP

— ANI (@ANI_news) March 17, 2016

This is an assembly of those whose lives itself is a message of peace, tolerance and love: PM Modi pic.twitter.com/2iUB8GxRJf

— ANI (@ANI_news) March 17, 2016

Sufis experience universal message of almighty that perfection in human life is reflected in qualities that are dear to god: PM Modi

— ANI (@ANI_news) March 17, 2016

.. that all are creation of god and that if we love god we must also love all his creations: PM Narendra Modi at World Sufi Forum

— ANI (@ANI_news) March 17, 2016

Modi described India as the land of ancient source of faith, which has  nurtured religions from the world. In a veiled reference to the prevailing global situation, Modi said that the diversity of society shouldn't be cause for discord. He also talked about the menace of terrorism and said that it divides humanity. He also stated that people who use religion to spread terror are anti-religion in reality.

(PTI)

Modi stressed on the fact that the fight against global terror shouldn't be turned into a confrontation against any religion. According to PM, there was no way to justify terror in the world.

The Sufi Conference is expected to come out with a declaration against extremism and Wahabism on the last day of the event to be convened at the Ramlila Maidan. 

With ANI inputs