Mysuru: Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah observed that Prophet Muhammad was not confined to Islam alone but worked to cleanse society of its impurities for the transformation of humanity.

He was speaking at the ‘Prophet Muhammad’s Light of Revolution — Public Seerath Conference’ organised by Jamaat-e-Islami Hind at Jaganmohan Palace auditorium in city on Sunday. Siddaramaiah said humanity means loving one another and not spreading hatred.

“As Kuvempu reminded us, we are born as world citizens, but social corruption reduces us to lesser beings. If our land is to become a garden of peace for all communities, we must strive to live as universal human beings,” he said and lamented that vested interests had created divisions in society despite every religion teaching that all human beings are equal.

“Prophet Muhammad lived as a noble human being, teaching that everyone is equal and that love, not hatred, must prevail. Prophets never spoke falsehoods. Those who live by their word earn respect in society and are remembered as saints, prophets and spiritual guides,” he said.

Economic self-reliance essential

Siddaramaiah stressed that in a society marked by inequality, true equality could be achieved only through economic self-reliance.

“For this, education is mandatory. Under the Constitution framed by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, we must live in harmony. Just as fundamental rights are important, fulfilling fundamental duties is equally vital,” he said.

Narasimharaja MLA Tanveer Sait said the life of Prophet Muhammad was an ideal for everyone and that he worked for world peace and the welfare of humanity. “We must think of social reform along the path he showed,” Sait said.

Cautioning against blind reliance on technology, Sait said artificial intelligence may provide answers to many things, but youngsters were increasingly spending their time on mobile phones without verifying truth from falsehood.

“To build a bright life, we need good conduct. Education is not anyone’s property. Read, listen and gain knowledge. As the Prophet taught, we must correct our shortcomings,” he said. Sait said peace in society depended on respecting all religions.

“A person who does not respect another faith cannot bring respect to his own. While peace must prevail, we are witnessing irresponsible statements of distrust and hatred in matters of religion,” he said.

Dr. Sri Siddalinga Shivacharya Swamiji of Vatalu Sri Suryasimhasana Mutt, T. Narasipur, said there should be no divisions among Indians based on their religious identities.

“Allah and Ishwara are one. What must prevail between us is mutual love and trust, not discord. Religious harmony should be achieved and everyone should be loved,” he said.

The conference was presided over by Dr. Belagami Muhammad Saad, President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind.

Sir Khazi Hazrath of Mysuru Moulana Mohammed Usman Shariff, Pastor Francis D. Almeida of Mysuru, Karnataka Exhibition Authority Chairman Ayub Khan, KPCC Spokesperson M. Lakshmana, Mysore Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Dr. K.B. Lingaraju, Mysuru Rural Congress Committee President Beerihundi Basavanna, City Secretary M. Shivanna, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind State Secretary Muhammad Kunji, Khalid Ahmed and others were present.