Mumbai

While the entire country is shaken by the recent bomb blasts in Delhi, famous Islamic scholar Mufti Salman Azhari has condemned the incident in strong terms. Delivering a traditional sermon (Khutba) at a mosque in Mumbai, he emphasised that violence and terrorism have no place in Islam. Referring to the Quranic verse 'Do not create chaos (Fasaad) on earth', he underlined the importance of peace.

Mufti Azhari clarified that one should not confuse an individual's action with the teachings of the religion.

He said, "If a Muslim drinks alcohol or gambles, it is his personal fault, not Islam's. Similarly, if someone spreads terror, he cannot be a contractor or representative of Islam." He firmly stated that the image of Islam being painted across the world today is not due to the religion's teachings but because of the wrongdoings of a few individuals.

Referring to the Delhi blasts, the Mufti expressed shock at the names emerging in the initial investigation. "It is being said that these people are associated with a noble profession like medicine. Why did such highly educated youths choose the path of violence? Who benefited from this? Instead, the entire Muslim community will now be looked upon with suspicion."

He pointed out that such acts endanger the future of many innocent students and youth.

Citing the Quran, the Mufti said, "He who kills an innocent person without cause, it is as if he has killed all of humanity." Killing a passerby on the street, a tourist, or a common man cannot be called Jihad. Referring to incidents in Kashmir, he asked what the fault was of the innocent people who had come there for tourism. Such acts only spread hatred and harm the community.

Mufti Salman Azhari 

The Mufti warned the youth who consider themselves brave by putting up aggressive statuses or sharing scary posts on social media. "Creating fear in people's minds or spreading terror is Haram (forbidden) in Islam. Use social media responsibly. Your behaviour should be such that people welcome you, not fear you," he said.

The Mufti warned that some organisations or groups are working to brainwash the youth. "Do not have any association with any terrorist organisation or violent ideology. Keep your conscience awake. Islam is a religion that gives the message of peace and love; it does not teach hatred," he said, concluding with a prayer to Allah for peace and harmony in the country.

Who is Mufti Salman Azhari?

Mufti Salman Azhari is a highly popular Sunni Islamic scholar, a powerful orator, and a religious leader in India. He has pursued higher education at the world-renowned 'Al-Azhar' University in Cairo, Egypt, and the title 'Azhari' attached to his name signifies this educational background.

He has a massive following among youth due to his energetic speech style, eloquent oratory, and his method of communicating through poetry (Sher-o-Shayari).

With millions of followers on social media, he not only provides religious education in his speeches but also appeals to the youth to stay away from drugs, pursue education, and avoid crime.

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While he is often in the news for his blunt statements, he is also known as a modern-thinking cleric who raises his voice against evil practices in society and advises maintaining religious harmony.