Terrorism is un-Islamic: Darul Uloom seminary

New Delhi/Deoband: Hundreds of Islamic scholars gathered at the country’s top Islamic seminary on Monday and passed an edict declaring all acts of terrorism as ''un-Islamic''.

“Rabta Madaris Islamiah Arabia (Islamic Madarasas Association) condemns all kinds of violence and terrorism in the strongest possible terms,” said the edict passed at a conclave organised by the Darul Uloom seminary in Deoband, Uttar Pradesh.

''Islam has considered mischief, rioting and murder among the severest sins and crimes,'' said the declaration by Darul Uloom, which has often been accused of promoting obscurantism and intolerance.

The declaration asked Islamic scholars not to be influenced by anti-Islamic or anti-national forces. ''We don't have any link or association with terrorism, terrorists, whatsoever. We reject terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Terrorism completely negates the teachings of Islam, which is the faith of love and peace,'' Maulana Marghoob-ur Rahman, chief rector of Darul Uloom, told UNI.

Reciting verses from the Quran, Maulana Rahman said Islam preaches equality and compassion among all human beings. “Madarasas, which are the real flag bearers of the Islamic teachings, hereby declare without mincing words that they don't have any truck with terrorism.''

The declaration accused the government of being ''partial'' against madarasas while investigating terrorism cases. Anti-terror probes were preceded ''by a malicious campaign against these seminaries unleashed by communal forces''.

''Madarasas spread in every nook and cranny of the country teach humanity, peace, reconciliation and love,'' said Maulana Rahman. He requested the custodians of madarasas to usher in more transparency in their financial dealings and ensure a pure Islamic environment in their schools.

''Any terrorist activity which targets innocent people directly, contradicts Islam's concept of peace,'' said Maulana Abdul Khaliq Madrasi, vice-rector of Darul Uloom.

Representatives of about 6,000 madrasas and Islamic scholars from India and abroad attended the conclave. Founded in 1866, Darul Uloom is the oldest Islamic seminary in India and one of the biggest in the world.