Muslim World League (MWL) Secretary-General Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa showered praise on India’s unity and its contribution to humanity on Tuesday as he said that the Muslims in the country are proud of their nationality and the Indian Constitution.
The chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars said: “We reach out to the different components and diversity with a common objective that we share. We have heard a lot about Indian wisdom and we know that Indian wisdom has contributed a lot to humanity, We know that we have a common objective of co-existing peacefully together...”
“We know that the Indian components with all its diversity are great model for coexistence not only in mere words but also on the ground and we appreciate all the efforts taken in this regard...,” the MWL chief said.
Al-Issa's remarks came during his address at the India-Islamic Cultural Centre where he shared the stage with India’s National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval.
After Al-Issa’s speech, Doval also addressed the gathering, saying that it is important to live in peace and harmony if humanity is to be protected.
“Excellency your deep understanding of Islam, the religions of the world and incessant efforts towards interfaith harmony, courage to persistently lead on the path of reforms has not only contributed to a better understanding of Islam and its contribution to humanity but also prevented extremist and radical ideologies to plague the young minds,” Doval said in response to the address of Al-Issa.
The NSA further said that India had successfully managed to provide space for all its citizens regardless of their religious, ethnic, and cultural identities. "Islam occupies a significant position of pride with India being home to the second-largest Muslim population in the world.”
Stating that the Indian Muslim population is about the same as the combined population of more than 33 member countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, he said: "....It was only by being open to accommodating various world views and ideas, interactions and assimilations of various cultures, beliefs and practices that India emerged as a sanctuary for persecuted people of all faith from all across the world.”
Al-Issa is on a six-day visit to India that will focus on inter-faith harmony and connecting Indian political and religious leadership with the leading body of the Islamic world.