New Delhi [India], August 22 (ANI): The Muslim Students Organisation of India (MSO) and the Muslim Youth Organisation of India (MYO) organised an important conference on "The Role of Muslims in Nation Building." The conference brought together scholars, students, youth, social workers, educators, religious scholars and members of civil society to discuss the role of Indian Muslims in the country's social, national and democratic development.
According to a press release, the conference focused on several important themes, including the contribution of Indian Muslims to nation-building, the role of Sufis in the freedom movement, the Islamic concept of love for one's homeland, Islamic teachings against terrorism, India's place in the Sufi tradition, and the constructive participation of youth in nation-building.
Around 500 people attended the programme, the release noted.
The programme began with a welcome address by Shujaat Ali Quadri, National President of MSO. Addressing the gathering, he said that the history of Indian Muslims is deeply connected with the country's social and cultural heritage.
He emphasised that "Muslims are not merely a part of society; they are equal partners in nation-building. India is not merely a place where we live; it is our homeland, our soil, our shared heritage and the future of our coming generations." He called upon young people to contribute actively to the development of the country through education, social service, national unity and positive thinking.
Arshad-ul-Qadri, Assistant Professor, Department of Persian, Jamia Millia Islamia, spoke on "The Role of Sufis in the Freedom Movement."
He highlighted the contribution of Indian Sufis towards strengthening social unity, brotherhood and humanitarian values. He also noted the role played by Sufi personalities in creating social awareness during the freedom movement.
The press release further stated that Allama Syed Muhammad Razavi, Head of the Rajasthan Chapter of Sunni Dawat-e-Islami, addressed the gathering on "The Concept of Love for the Homeland in Islam." He said that love for one's country, responsibility towards society and fulfilment of civic duties are consistent with Islamic ethical values. He called upon people to strengthen national unity and social harmony and conveyed the message of patriotism through Islamic teachings.
Mufti Ashfaq Husain Qadri, Chairman of All India Tanzeem Ulama-e-Islam, spoke on "Islamic Teachings on Terrorism."
He stated that the killing of innocent people, violence and terrorism are contrary to the fundamental teachings of Islam. He urged young people to stay away from extremism and violent ideologies and to promote the message of peace, humanity and coexistence.
Modassir Ashrafi, Vice Chairman of MSO, spoke on "India in the Eyes of the Sufis." He highlighted the importance of India's shared culture, mutual respect, brotherhood and social harmony in the Indian Sufi tradition.
The programme was jointly moderated by Arif Wahidi, National President of MSO, and Muhammad Zafaruddin Barkati, Editor of Kanz-ul-Iman magazine. They brought together the perspectives of the speakers and emphasised the need for constructive and meaningful participation of young people in the nation-building process, the press release noted.
The conference witnessed the participation of a large number of students, youth, social workers, academicians, religious scholars and people from different walks of life. Speakers emphasised that strengthening India's diversity, Ganga-Jamuni cultural heritage and shared traditions is a collective responsibility of all citizens.
MSO and MYO stated that they would continue to organise programmes promoting education, social harmony, nation-building, youth empowerment and the positive values of India's Sufi heritage, the press release said. (ANI)
MSO, MYO national conference on "The Role of Muslims in Nation Building" conveys message of unity, patriotism, social harmony
