 "10 things PM Narendra Modi said at World Sufi Forum")
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday praised Islam for its message on peace and harmony.
“…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” he said while addressing the first World Sufi Forum.
He also spoke on terrorism having no religion and ‘those who spread terror in the name of religion’ were anti-religious.
The Prime Minsiter’s comments have come at a time when it has faced a lot of flak for communalism amid a raging debate on nationalism.
Business Standard takes a look at the key takeaways from the Prime Minister’s address.
1. This is an extraordinary event of great importance to the world, at a critical time for humanity. At a time when the dark shadow of violence is becoming longer, you are the noor, or the light of hope.
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2. Sufism is the voice of peace, co-existence, compassion and equality; a call to universal brotherhood.
3. …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
4. It (sufism) helped strengthen the inclusive culture that is our great nation's immense contribution to the cultural tapestry of this world. In Baba Farid's poetry or Guru Granth Sahib, we feel the same spiritual connection.
5. The message of Sufism is not just confined to combating terrorism. The values of harmony, welfare, compassion and love for human beings are the foundation of a just society. That is the principle behind my creed of "Sab Ka Saath, Sab Ka Vikaas"
6. At the dawn of independence some chose to go away; and, I believe, that it also had to do with the colonial politics of that time.
7. It upholds the highest ideals of Islam and has always rejected the forces of terrorism and extremism.
8. In this digital century of new promise and opportunities, the reach of terror is growing and its toll is rising every year.
9. 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.
10. As I have said before, we must reject any link between terrorism and religion. Those who spread terror in the name of religion are anti-religious. We must advance the message of Sufism that stands for the principles of Islam and the highest human values.