“It Is Not Religion, but the Distortion of Its Message That Is Causing Deep Human Suffering Around the World” — Dr. Sayed Saifuddin Ahmed Al-Hasani Maizbhandari
Global Religious Leaders Call for Unity to Counter Radical Ideologies and Promote Peace in Gaza and Other Areas Affected by Conflict
United States Correspondent:
Religious leaders, scholars, policymakers, and community representatives from around the world have highlighted love, compassion, justice, and shared human values as the only sustainable foundations for lasting global peace, in contrast to division, hostility, and harmful acts committed under the misrepresentation of religion.
These views were expressed during the International Peace Conference, held on Saturday, 25 July, at the Jalsa Convention Hall, 786 Coney Island Avenue, Brooklyn, New York, under the theme “Love and Mercy – The Message of All the Prophets (Peace Be Upon Them).”
The conference took place from 4:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and brought together distinguished religious leaders, academics, researchers, interfaith representatives, community leaders, and members of the Bangladeshi diaspora from the United States, Canada, and several other countries.
The Chief Guest was a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him), incumbent leader of Maizbhandar Darbar Shareef, and President of Sufi Unity for International Solidarity (SUFIS), Dr. Sayed Saifuddin Ahmed Al-Hasani Maizbhandari.
In his keynote address, he said:
“All the Prophets and Messengers of Allah (Peace Be Upon Them) taught humanity love, justice, mercy, tolerance, and service to mankind. Yet today, certain groups seek to justify hostility, and harmful acts by distorting religious teachings.
It is not religion, but the distortion of its message that is causing deep human suffering around the world. This is an offence not only against religion but against humanity itself. Religious scholars, faith leaders, governments, international institutions, and peace-loving people must stand together to address this challenge.”
He continued,”The ongoing humanitarian crisis affecting women, children, and innocent civilians in the Gaza Strip is a matter of deep concern for people of conscience across the world. Likewise, wherever armed conflict, prolonged instability, racial discrimination, religious discrimination, or the loss of innocent lives occurs, we have a moral responsibility to stand in support of humanity. The loss of innocent lives can never be justified.”
He further stated:
“The future of civilisation does not lie in escalating military competition, but in justice, mutual respect, dialogue, and humanitarian cooperation. World leaders should make peace and reconciliation their highest priority.”
Dr. Ahmed Mahiuddin (Jonathan Granoff), President of the Global Security Institute, said:
“Security cannot be ensured through military strength alone. Lasting peace requires ethical leadership, interfaith cooperation, the protection of fundamental human rights, and mutual trust.”
He emphasised the importance of coordinated efforts among religious leaders, policymakers, and civil society in promoting peace and addressing global challenges.
Shaykh Faisal Hamid Abdur Razzaq, Founder and President of the Islamic Forum of Canada, said:
“The true essence of Islam is mercy, balance, and service to humanity. Those who promote radical ideologies and harmful acts in the name of Islam have departed from its authentic teachings.”
He encouraged people to follow the example of Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him), whose life embodied mercy, compassion, and peaceful coexistence.
Allama Syed Zubair Ahmad, President of Ahl-e-Sunnat Wal Jama’at USA, said:
“Religion is never meant to divide people; rather, it is intended to unite them in truth, justice, and peace. Addressing radical ideologies requires authentic knowledge based on the Qur’an and Sunnah, together with greater awareness and mutual respect.”
Shahzada Syed Mehbub Mainuddin Al-Hasani, former President of Mainia Youth Forum, stated:
“There is no substitute for spiritual values, ethical leadership, and interfaith harmony in building lasting world peace.”
He called for greater public awareness against the misuse of religion to spread hostility and harmful acts, adding that nurturing young people with the values of humanitarian service, tolerance, and mutual respect is essential for creating a peaceful and harmonious world.
Shahzada Shaykh Seyyid Mashooq Main Al din Al-Hasani, President of Mainia Youth Forum and a young Islamic Sufi scholar, said :
“If young people are nurtured with the values of love, morality, spirituality, and service to humanity, they will never be drawn towards radical ideologies or politics driven by hostility. Young people must take the lead in building a peaceful and hopeful future.”
Other speakers included prominent Islamic speaker Shaykha Maryam Kabir (USA); Allama Syed Mutawakkil Billah Rabbani Badrpuri, Khatib of New York Ahlul Bayt Mosque; Mufti Sajjad Reza, Chairman of the American Muslim Advocacy Network; Gias Ahmed, President of the Jackson Heights Bangladesh Business Association (JBBA); Shaykh Azmain Asrar Maizbhandari, PhD researcher at Western Michigan University; Mawlana Bilal Khan, Khatib of Bilal Mosque, New Jersey; Syed Hamza Shah, President of Youth Forum of Oman; interfaith leader, author, and educator Michael Sherak; Mohammad Lutful Karim, President of the Bangladesh Merchant Association Brooklyn; Mohammad Shamsuddin Azad, President of the Chittagong University Alumni Association USA; Mohammad Nazrul Islam, former Vice-President of Bangladesh Society Incorporated; businessman Mosharraf Hossain; Mohammad Qasim Majid, representative of the Chishtiya Order of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (RA); and Alhaj Mohammad Salim Uddin, Secretary General of Ahl-e-Sunnat Wal Jama’at USA.
The conference commenced with recitations from the Holy Qur’an by internationally renowned Qari Muhammad Faruk and Qari Syed Mustanzid Billah Rabbani.
The programme concluded with a special prayer led by Dr. Sayed Saifuddin Ahmed Al-Hasani Maizbhandari, seeking peace for the Muslim Ummah, prosperity for Bangladesh, safety and dignity for the people of the Gaza Strip, and well-being for all humanity.
The participants reaffirmed that the true teachings of religion unite people rather than divide them. They called for a stronger global commitment to interfaith harmony, dialogue, justice, respect for fundamental human rights, and mutual understanding in addressing radical ideologies, hostility, harmful acts, and humanitarian crises around the world.
The conference concluded with the shared message that peace is not the responsibility of any single religion, nation, or state—it is a collective responsibility of all humanity. Building a world founded on love, justice, tolerance, compassion, and respect for human dignity remains the most sustainable path towards lasting global peace.
Alhamdulillah Our program of International Peace Conference was only possible through the efforts of this honourable man. Rana Shah Talukdar. May Allah grant his efforts fulfilled and grant him barakah so he can continue to be khidmah for Ilm e Tasawuf.