'World Sufi Forum' issues manifesto; says ISIS, al Qaeda, Taliban against 'Islam and humanity'

A four-day-long 'World Sufi Program' concluded in the national capital peacefully on Sunday.

New Delhi: Although Narendra Modi – led government at the Centre has often been accused of being anti-Muslim, a 'World Sufi Program' concluded here in the national capital peacefully on Sunday. The forum where Muslim scholars from more that 20 countries participated gave a message that the community is against terrorism.

Prominent Muslim leaders from around the globe condemned violence in the name of Islam at the International Sufi Conference and said that it is sin to misuse the name of Islam in order to spread terror.

Speaking at the Ramlila Ground here on the final day of a four-day event, Pakistani politician and Islamic scholar Tahir-ul-Qadri​ said, "The only aim of  ISIS, al Qaeda, Taliban is to kill people, nothing to do with Islam."

He further said, "India & Pakistan are not enemies, their real enemy is terrorism," ANI reported.

"If one studies Sufism properly, they will understand that what ISIS is doing is not 'Jihad' but 'Fasaad'. Sufism should be a taught in India and Pakistan as it can help reduce terrorism​," Qadri added.

The organisers of the first World Sufi Forum also released a manifesto today.

The Muslim leaders, however, also urged the government to rectify the "historical blunders" against Muslims and to introduce Sufism at all levels of education.

Renowned Sufi leader Hazrat Syed Muhammad Ashraf said: "Over the last few decades, there have been concerted efforts to weaken Sufism in India and replace it with an extremist and radical ideology."

"This recent phenomenon is dangerous not just for the Muslim community, but also for the country itself," added the founder president of All India Ulama and Mashaikh Board (AIUMB), the organisers of the event. 

"We request our Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) to rectify these historical blunders and meet the demands of millions of Sufi followers in India."

He also demanded that the home ministry to spell out what steps had been taken with regard to the small and big communal incidents that have taken place in different parts of the country. 

Ashraf also raised concerns over low Muslim representation in various minority institutions. 

"Indian Muslims having faith in Sufi traditions should be given representation according to their share in population" in various bodies such as Central Waqf Council, State Waqf Boards, Central and State Hajj Committees and National Minority Finance Development Corp.

AIUMB, the apex body representing Sufis in India, unveiled its 25-point charter on the occasion.

AIUMB appealed to the government to establish a Sufi university in the name of revered Sufi saint Khwaja Gareeb Nawaz. 

It said a central Sufi centre should be established in New Delhi and in all capital cities to promote Sufi literature, Sufi culture and music.

In order to promote Sufi tourism, it suggested that a 'Sufi corridor' be created to connect all the shrines in the country. 

Over 8000 Muslim clerics and Sufi leaders came together in a large congregation to attend the conference. 

(With Agency inputs)