Islam Associated with Peace NOT Terror, Prominent Scholar

Associating the word 'terrorism' with Islam is an international conspiracy to malign the religion of peace, Maulana Qamruzzama Azmi, general secretary of London-based World Islamic Mission, said here on Saturday.

The gist of Islam is creation of an environment of peace and happiness in the world by condemning racism and bloodshed, he said at a peace conference organized by the Kondhwa-based madrassa, Jamia Quadriya.

"When the BBC sought my reaction to the September 11 attacks in the US, I at once said that the attackers were not Muslims, because no Muslim, according to the Quran, can kill an innocent person," he said.

Citing the Quran, Maulana Qamruzzama said anyone who saves one life, saves all humanity. And anyone who kills one innocent person slays entire humanity.

"When the Prophet invaded Mecca, because it was inevitable as Muslims were stopped from praying, he exclaimed that 'today is the day of peace and nobody shall be harmed'.

The Prophet then said 'let us return to Madinah now' and warned his followers against seeking revenge or snatching assets and property of the people of Mecca."

Maulana Qamruzzama blamed politics and power struggle for the bloodshed in the world. He said the way of life for a true Muslim is following Deenussalam (religion of peace), Quranussalam (book of peace, Quran) and aspiring for Darussalam (house of peace, i.e. jannat/heaven).

Concluding his speech, Maulana prayed for world peace in general and peace and unity in India in particular. He soon left for Mumbai.

Times of India