May 31 - June 1, 2008 conference
a backdrop

We all know that the increasing scourge of terrorism has taken innocent lives in many parts of the world forcing all of us to think often of the means to try and eradicate from the face of the earth the menace of terrorism. Equipped with modern arms and ammunition, they could, unless checked, well destroy the world’s order; but we cannot give them a befitting reply by reacting in a manner similar to theirs. What is needed to get rid of their designs and actions is to mobilize awareness about the problem on a global level encompassing all sections of thought around the world.

Jama Masjid Delhi has historically remained central to the Muslim polity in India. Indian Muslims look into it for guidance in matters of socio-political importance as well as in matters that concern the Ummah (the Muslim Brotherhood) as a whole. Therefore, for quite some time Jama Masjid Delhi, has been contemplating an initiative to understand and approach the problem in a wider context beyond merely condemning it. There is need to spread amongst the masses awareness of the fact that Islam and Terrorism are irreconcilable and that Islam, in fact, is totally opposed to the concept of terrorism as experienced globally. This message must specially reach those sections of society that are vulnerable to the false propaganda of terrorist outfits so that these elements may be isolated and their reach and influence curtailed.

Responding to this need of the hour, Jama Masjid United Forum (JMUF), a non-governmental organization, conceived by the former Shahi Imam Maulana Syed Abdulla Bukhari and blessed by the patronage of the present Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid Delhi, Maulana Syed Ahmed Bukhari, therefore from its inception has laid stress on the promotion of brotherhood and global peace so as to isolate terrorism and defeat the tactics of terrorists.

With these objectives, JMUF decided to organize an international conference on “Terrorism-National and International” to elicit views and suggestions from the learned and august participants to further the noble cause it has espoused. The most important preliminary step towards this international conference was taken on May 26, 2007 when a planning conference was held in New Delhi to elicit views and suggestions for the ensuing international conference. This planning meet attended by national leaders, religious heads and luminaries from many walks of life was a source of inspiration for the Forum to go ahead with the organization of the international conference. We were heartened by the all round support for the cause that we received.