Patna,(BiharTimes): “Islam does not just promote peace, Islam itself means peace”, said eminent Islamic scholar Maulana Syed Shah Mashhood Ahmed Qadri Nadvi. He was delivering speech on ‘Islam and the message of Peace’. The conference was organized by Peace Foundation at Seminar Hall, Bihar Urdu Bhawan in Patna on October 23 (Sunday).
“Generally on conquering any territory the rulers ransack and loot enemy state. But Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) exercised extreme restrain, ignored the crimes of Quraysh; who had compelled him to migrate to Madina in a hostile situation. He proclaimed a general amnesty to all,” he added.
Maulana Rizwan Islahi, Amir (President) of the Patna unit of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind said that one of Allah’s attribute is As-Salam, which means peace. Moreover, the Holy Qur’an states that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was sent to the world as a mercy of mankind. “We all are equal and descendants of Prophet Adam,” he said.
“It is the sword of the intellect and love. The sword that conquers the hearts and minds of people”, said Maulana Syed Ahmed Raza, Naib Muhtamim, Idara-e-Shariah, Bihar.
Hafiz Shanuddin emphasized that the correct and patient presentation of truth conquers heart of opponents. There are various misunderstanding about Islam and Muslims. These can be cleared only through good character and a regular interaction with the people.
“Love to humankind, to disseminate peace and to abide by the law of the land, are the essence of Islam,” said Syed Amanat Hussain.
Naushad Ansari, President, Peace Foundation said that the word ‘Islam’ has come from the root world ‘silm’, which itself means peace. So the spirit of Islam is the spirit of peace. Any deviation from this is a deviation from Islam’.
In his inspiring presidential address Dr M A Ibrahimi, IAS (Ret’d), former Chief Secretary-rank officer, Government of Bihar said that Islam aims at spiritual progress, intellectual development, character building, social reform, educational activities etc. He called upon the people to lead a peaceful and purposeful life. He emphasized on social work for the development of the society and for the nation. “A good human being will obey law of the land, uphold moral values and follow true teaching of religion,” he stressed.
Abdullah Kaifi, Joint Secretary, Peace Foundation, coordinated the programme.
Dr Zakir Hussain delivered vote of thanks.
The following resolution was presented by Anwarul Hoda, senior journalist and Vice President of Peace Foundation:
“The Islamic scholars and the intellectuals present at the conference expressed serious concern over the upsurge of terrorist activities in different parts of world and linking these with Islam. Identifying Islam with violence and terrorism is highly unfair.
Islam's teachings are very explicit and clear. One of the meanings of Islam itself is peace. Islam regards the killing of a single innocent as a killing of the whole humankind, the Holy Quran says. Islam insists on the need to respect treaties and agreements with others. Islam has advised mercy for all. The Prophet (may peace be upon him) said that God is merciful to those who show mercy to others. Islam also regards all creatures as members of God's family. It announces the equality of all human beings. Islam calls for peace and justice and mercy. Under no conditions does it legitimize strife.
The conference strongly condemns terrorism of all kind. Calling these activities as religious is tantamount to sanctifying them and thus leaving no space for the correct teachings of different religions.”
