Thousands of Muslims, who thronged the historic Palace Grounds in Bangalore, pledge their commitment to the Islamic faith and rejection of terrorism. (AN photo)

BANGALORE: India’s one of the most prominent Muslim organizations, the Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind (JUH), organized a massive anti-terrorism convention in Bangalore on Saturday, which strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms.

Attended by thousands Muslims from different walks of life at the historic Palace Grounds the convention was addressed by leading Muslim and Hindu scholars. The Muslims declared their commitment to their faith, solidarity with their leaders and patriotism.

The convention strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms including that done by terror groups and governments. The crowds also took oaths against terrorism.

Syed Muhammad Usman, president of JUH, and Maulana Mahmood Madani, a member of Parliament and general secretary of JUH, spoke how Islam preaches peace and denounces terrorism.

The convention was also addressed by Swami Agnivesh of Arya Samaj, who said Indian Muslims do not need anyone’s certificate to prove their patriotism, contributions to nation building, and allegiance to the tenets of peace and brotherhood.

Sri Ravi Shanker, a Hindu spiritual leader, and Mahesh Bhat, a film director and social activist, also addressed the crowds, praising the efforts of Muslim scholars in decrying terrorism.

The resolution adopted by the convention declared, “Islam is a religion of peace and a blessing for the entire humanity. Islam does not allow the killing of innocent persons.”

It also cautioned against identifying Jihad with terrorism. It said Jihad and terrorism are poles apart, while Jihad is a constructive phenomenon, terrorism is based on destruction alone.

It also warned against the official attitude of suspecting and framing Muslims without evidence, especially in the wake of recent findings that extremist Hindu organizations were behind various terrorist strikes across India.