‘Ilm’ after Allah in Quran, says Narendra Modi

New Delhi: Stressing on ‘knowledge’, the focal point of all regions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said, after Allah, the second highest word that appears in the Quran is “ilm” (knowledge). So, we have this information but we forget it.” He was speaking after launching a book titled Education of Muslims — An Islamic Perspective of Knowledge and Education in Indian Context by J.S. Rajput.

Addressing a gathering of scholars, historians and diplomatic representatives, Mr Modi said education can become the strength of the entire Saarc region. He also said if the region does not embrace modernity, it will get left behind, as the rest of the world progresses.

Mr Modi further said it is the good fortune of people living in India, that we have the opportunity to follow, understand and learn so many different religions, and strands of thought, at one place.

He also said that India is free of the disease of polio, and is ready to assume responsibility for eradicating it from the entire Saarc region. In this context, Mr Modi also spoke about India’s Saarc satellite, which will work for the benefit of the entire Saarc region.

Talking about the book, Mr Modi said the book can help us in our efforts towards “understanding each other” — understanding different points of view. He complimented the book’s editor, J.S. Rajput as well as Sirajuddin Qureshi, who has written the foreword for the book.