“Extremism and terrorism is against the very meaning of Islam because Islam means peace and well-being (Salamati/Asalaam). Opposition to such forces should not be painted as a confrontation with any religion. That is a ruse,” noted India’s National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval.
Doval made these comments while addressing a conference in Delhi. The conference was on “The role of Ulema in fostering a culture of interfaith peace and social harmony in India and Indonesia”.
“….we should focus on the real message of our religions, which stand for the values of humanism, peace and understanding. The Holy Quran itself teaches respect for life. It says that killing one person is like killing all humanity and saving one is akin to saving humanity. Islam ordains that the most excellent form of Jihad is ‘Jihad Afzal’. Which means Jihad against one’s senses or ego- and not against innocent civilians,” the NSA said.
He further said, “Many countries have been victims of terrorism and separatism. We have overcome the challenges to a considerable extent. Yet, the phenomenon of cross-border and ISIS-inspired terrorism continues to pose a threat. Cooperation of the civil society is essential in countering from thr threat…”
Ajit Doval highlighted, “None of the ends for which extremism, radicalisation and the misuse of religion are employed are justifiable on any ground. This is a distortion of religion against which all of us need to raise our voices.”
Indonesian minister Mohammed Mahfud MD, the Coordinating Minister for the Political, Legal, and Security Affairs of Indonesia, accompanied by a high-level delegation of Ulema is in Delhi for the event.
The delegation will meet interacting leaders from other faiths. Indonesia has the world’s largest Muslim population. Ajit Doval had earlier visited the country and had sent the invitation.
Does Islam mean Peace?
The intentions of NSA Doval are good. But, are they based on facts? When he said that the meaning of Islam is ‘peace’, he was wrong. It is an Arabic word which means ‘submission’.