Terrorism and radicalism are the “greatest enemies” of humanity and Islam, Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said on Saturday in the wake of the Paris carnage.
The act of “some misguided” people was harming Islam’s real message of mercy, unity, peace and brotherhood, Mr. Naqvi further said at a meet in Egypt to discuss the global challenge of terrorism while underscoring the need for coordination among societies to fight the “misuse” of religion.
Imams have a great role
“Imams, religious leaders and other scholars have a great role to play against global challenges of terrorism and radicalism. Coordination and communication among society, religious leaders, government agencies and media is a must to fight those misusing religion for terrorism,” Mr. Naqvi said at 25th International Conference on Religious Discourse Reforms in Egypt’s Luxor.
As for India, the Minister of State for Minority Affairs said in a series of posts on Twitter that “terrorism has failed to establish its roots in India due to deep-rooted cultural and social unity and vibrant democracy.”
“Religious discourse needs reform”
The Minister also noted that religious discourse needed reform and there was no need for reform in religion. “Religious discourse reform assumes significance in the current political, social and ideological scenario across the world and it should not be interpreted as attempts to change or alter a religion,” he added.
Imams, religious leaders, intellectuals and Ministers from about 42 countries attended the conference.
According to a statement issued later, Mr. Naqvi told the conference that it “is the common duty” of all, including the Islamic world and scholars, to come forward and unite for the endeavour to remove the “scourge of terrorism.” He said that the “evil” of terrorism and radicalism has extended its presence across the world and stressed that all the countries will have to fight together against this menace.”
Use religion for welfare
Mr. Naqvi said that every religion of the world speaks of mercy, unity, peace and brotherhood. Religion should be used for the welfare of every section of society, he added.
The Minister also quoted lines from the Koran that “whosoever kills a soul — it shall be as if he had killed all mankind; and he who saves a life, it shall be as if he had given life to all mankind.”
Mr. Naqvi further said that Muslims are bound by a code of conduct which the Prophet Mohammed had set. The Message of Islam and Prophet Mohammed is “loud and clear,” forbidding the killings of women, children and elderly even in war, he said.
“Justice must reach even animals”
“The Prophet warned that he who kills anyone who has a covenant of peace will not go to paradise. In fact, he taught that justice is not only to humans but must be shown to animals and all living things.
“So much so that cutting of a green tree is banned in Islam. The message of the Holy Koran is that sanctity of human life is to be respected and any violation in this regard would be considered the worst crime,” Mr. Naqvi said.
Forefront of modernity
The Union Minister further lauded Islam, saying it must be remembered that in the seventh century, the Muslim faith was at the forefront of modernity, based on principles of social justice, economic equity, gender equality and democratisation of polity. Islam, in fact, has provided peace and stability to different regions of the world for centuries, he added.
“These principles have still not changed. There is a need for strengthening and making effective of these principles. With the help of these principles, we can defeat those elements who are misusing the religion for their narrow self- interests,” he said.
