The fights in the world today are not between religions but between the moderate and extremist elements, said Abdullah II bin Al Hussein, King of Jordan, at an event organised by the India Islamic Cultural Centre in New Delhi on Thursday. This speech was the highlight of his three-day visit to India.
King Abdullah said, "We have to take the airwaves back from the extreme elements, which are luring the youth and teach them about the world's shared civilisation."
The visiting monarch, a leading voice in Islamic moderation, said his faith represented one-quarter of humanity, with 1.8 billion followers, and was a faith of kindness and virtue.
He said that most problems in the world are fanned by suspicions of what people don't know about each other. "We need to take these issues but never allow them to distract from the truth that faith should draw humanity together. Faith tells us to love our neighbour that allows us to prosper and thrive," he noted.
King Abdullah spoke about his upbringing.
"Every day as I grew up, I heard the name of God, the blessings of peace and how it was a Muslim's duty to protect people."
He inherited the legacy of his great-great-grandfather, who, a hundred years ago, came to the rescue of Christian refugees. "He told his people to protect them the same way they'd protect their property and families," said the king.
"Fellow Jordanians, Muslims and Christians, have together made the country peaceful and also the neighbourhood. The world is one family, it is wisely said. We have a duty to each other. The shared values require us to help each other," he said.
"We cannot afford to allow people to be left without hope and be led by false promises. It's not just the responsibility of institutions and national bodies but each of us. Let all people reach out to each other the hand of friendship."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that all big religions of the world have been cradled in India.
"India's identity and speciality is the heritage of plurality and the plurality of heritage," Modi noted, adding that the nation's plurality gave hope for a peaceful future in a world challenged by terror.
"The anti-humanity groups don't realise that their acts hurt the very religion they seek to protect. Anti-radicalisation crackdown is not against any religion but against a thought that is taking the youth down the wrong path.''
Speaking of development, he said Muslim youth should have the Koran in one hand and computer in the other.
"Our need is that the youth stays steeped in religion but at the same time marches towards modernisation. I am proud that the Amman declaration was signed by two Indians, too.''
Modi told the visiting monarch, "You have worked at deradicalisation. India wants to partner with you, thus so many ulemas and religious leaders have come to hear you today."
