NEW DELHI (Diya TV) — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi focused on the rich and glorious history of Sufism, the vitality of tolerance and compassion and on the need for all humanitarian forces to join ranks and challenge forces of terror and hatred during his recent address to the World Sufi Forum.
The four-day event was organized by the All India Ulama and Mashaikh Board, and sought to unite several international dignitaries from 20 countries. The event witnessed the presence of spiritual leaders, scholars, academicians and theologists from Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, UK, USA, Canada, Pakistan and other nations.
During his remarks, Modi categorically denied any links between religion and terror, and added that those advancing terrorism under the flag of any religion are nothing but anti-religious.
“At a time when the dark shadow of violence is becoming longer, you are the noor, or the light of hope. When young laughter is silenced by guns on the streets, you are the voice that heals,” the Prime Minister told the assembled gathering of Sufi scholars and spiritual leaders.
Modi added that India is forging ahead on the strength of struggles, the sacrifices, the bravery, the knowledge, the skill, the art and the pride of every member of every faith in his diverse and yet united nation. Citing the rising global challenge of combatting terrorism, Modi said that “when the spiritual love of Sufism, not the violent force of terrorism, flows across the border, this region will be the paradise on earth that Amir Khusrau spoke about.”
When terrorism and extremism have become the most destructive force of our times, the message of Sufism has global relevance, he added.
“There are forces and groups that are instruments of state policy and design. There are others recruited to the cause in misguided belief,” Modi said, adding mankind’s war against terror “is not a confrontation against any religion. It cannot be. It is a struggle between the values of humanism and the forces of inhumanity.” He said that this is a battle “that must be won through the strength of our values and the real message of religions.”
Quoting extensively from holy scriptures, Modi called for challenging “the forces of violence with the kindness of our love and universal human values.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at World Sufi Forum
