Islamic clerics speak out against radicalisation

Sanjay Kumar of ‘Art of Living’ with religious leaders during the conference on ‘de-radicalisation’.
Sanjay Kumar of ‘Art of Living’ with religious leaders during the conference on ‘de-radicalisation’.

Conference on ‘de-radicalisation’ organized

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 20: In a significant initiative towards de-radicalization, prominent Islamic clerics today gave a clarion call for brotherhood among all religions for peace to every nook and corner of the world.
“Islam does not allow violence and hatred in the name of religion and Prophet Mohammad has defined true Muslim as the one with whom everyone feels protected, irrespective of religion,” they said, during the conference on `De-radicalizations’, organized by Jammu & Kashmir Nationalist’s People Front, inspired by The Art of Living and blessings of global spiritual leader, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Click here to watch video
Prominent Muftis, Maulavis and Khatibs participated in the conference, which was held at Gurjar Desh Charitable Trust, Channi Himmat and inaugurated by Lt Governor J&K, Manoj Sinha.
“We all have the responsibility of bringing peace to every nook and corner of the world. Unless every member of our global family is peaceful, our peace is incomplete,” Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said, in his message.
In his address, Sheikh Mujjaffar, President, Jammu and Kashmir Nationalist People’s Front, said: “The voice for peace has risen from this platform and we want to send this message to all of Kashmir, across the border and this world that we are brothers and we will coexist peacefully like this together.”
First session of the conference was addressed by Mufti Ajaz Sahib, Mufti Noorani, Mufti Muzafar and Nazir Ahmad Soibug Badgaum.
Mufti Muzaffar mentioned about the history of human beings that they all have taken birth from Hazrat Adam and Mother Hawa and said, “If a person understands this fact, he will never become a terrorist.”
Stating that the religion of Islam is known by three names; Islam, Iman and Ehsaan, he emphasized that Prophet Muhammad has defined Momin as the one with whom everyone feels protected .
He maintained that the doors of Sufi shrines are open for everyone irrespective of religion and duty of everyone present there is to convey the message of love and peace through Islam.
“A Momin (believer of Allah/Islam) is one who understands the real essence of Islam. Once we have understood what it means to be a true Momin, then we will also know that ours is a religion of peace because our basic Taleem (education) is of Aman (peace),” said Mufti Noorani adding that Imaan and Ehsaan means to do good to others and be honest, which can happen only in peace.
The topic of the post lunch session was titled ‘Duties of Muslims towards country as per Quranic verses.’
The Shahi Imam of Jammu and Mufti Anayat Ulla Quadmi delivered their address on the topic followed by Mufti Lal u din and Mufti Nazir Quadmi.
As several Kashmiri Pandits were also present in the conference, the religious leaders spoke on the unfortunate exodus of the community from Kashmir valley and stressed the need to move ahead together and bridge trust deficit.
Youth leaders of Jammu also joined the conference. The discussion also included the measures to bridge the divide between Jammu region and the Kashmir valley.
Sanjay Kumar, a social activist and program director ( J&K) of Art of Living, addressed the gathering as the guest of honor. Concluding address was given by J&K NPF (Jammu & Kashmir Nationalist People’s Front.
The other prominent participants of the conference, included Molana Kousar Jafri, Mufti Molana Aajaz Sahib, Molvi Muzaffar Sahib, Mufti Shakeel Sahib, Mufti Shair u Din Sahib, Mufti Mustufa Raza Quadri, Mufti Quazi Abdul Rahman, Mufti Molana Farooq, Molana Hafiz Mubasher, Molana Kari Shabir Owasi, Mufti Farooq Hussain, Mufti Dr Ibraheem Sahb, Molana Mufti Aslam Sahb, Syed Mufti Basharat Sahb and Molana Aliyas Sakafi.