THE ideology propounded by Sufi saints is integral to Indian ethos but forces of extremism are trying to weaken it, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday (August 27) as he met a group of Sufi scholars who asked him to work for development irrespective of caste, community or religion.
During the interaction with the group of 40 Barelvi Sufi scholars, Modi asked them to counter such forces through various avenues including on social media, so that the ideology of extremism does not take root in India.
The delegation members asked him to establish direct contact with Muslims as they expressed concern that certain forces do not wish the Muslim community of India to keep good relations with the Prime Minister, according to a PMO statement.
Modi said the ideology propounded by Sufi saints is an integral part of Indian ethos and has contributed significantly to the creation of a pluralistic, multi-cultural society in the country, the statement said.
Warning that forces of extremism are attempting to weaken the Sufi ideology today, he said it is essential for the Sufi saints and scholars to counter these forces through various avenues including on social media, so that the ideology of extremism does not take root in India.
He said the tradition of Sufism has kept evil at bay, wherever it has continued to flourish, the statement said.
He exhorted the Muslim community in India to take maximum advantage of the skill development schemes and programmes being initiated by the central government.
The delegation members raised issues related to Waqf property, which Modi said would be looked into. He said Sufi culture and music should be suitably promoted in each state.
The delegation members stated that Islam does not preach hatred or extremism and expressed concern that certain forces do not wish the Muslim community of India to keep good relations with the Prime Minister.
They said that so far, the divisive politics of vote-banks has resulted in the Muslim community interacting with the government only through intermediaries, but now they want the Prime Minister to establish direct contact with the people of India, including the Muslims, the statement said.
