Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addresses the World Sufi Forum

 

Addressing the World Sufi Forum at New Delhi on 17th March, 2016, the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi drew the attention of the world to the fact that India has become the principal centre of Islamic civilisation and has a distinct Islamic heritage.

The four-day World Sufi Forum was organised by the All India Ulama and Mashaik Board bringing together numerous dignitaries, spiritual leaders, scholars, academicians and theologists from more than 20 countries.

Alluding to the rich diversity of the Islamic civilisation, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi reiterated the inclusive culture of India, where the Islamic heritage evolved its own distinct traditions and blossomed in India’s openness and culture. He highlighted the contribution of Islam to Indian art, architecture and culture, particularly in poetry and music.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi emphasised that, the Muslims of India were defined by the culture of peace, diversity and equality of faith in India and shaped by the values of the Islamic heritage of India, which upholds the highest ideals of Islam and rejects the forces of terrorism and extremism.

PM Modi underlined the global relevance of the message of Islam and Sufism in a world where terrorism and extremism have become the most destructive forces. He emphasised that, the fight against terrorism is not a confrontation against any religion but a struggle between the values of humanism and the forces of inhumanity. He recalled the teaching of the Holy Quran Al Kareem that “if anyone slew one innocent person, it would be as if he slew a whole people; if anyone saved one life, it would be as if he saved a whole people”. 

 

 

30th March, 2016