Ex-president of the Maldives Mr Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom stated that Islam is a religion of peace, and that the recently self proclaimed Islamic State (IS) group lacks any Islamic quality.
He made this statement at the inauguration ceremony of a debate competition, titled "Speak your mind and Express (Simpress)", held in remembrance of the Indian Ex-president Mr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. Students of the Bangalore Garden City College and the Indian Space Agency ISRO will be debating in this competition.
Maumoon said that every religion supports peace and brotherhood in humanity, therefore it is crucial to make peace between the adherents of different religions and cultures and increase the interfaith bonds in order to achieve global Peace.
His speech was focused on ways of achieving and maintaining peace and harmony throughout the world. He said that even though it is not an easy process, we have to do everything we can to attain this.
He quoted from Mr. Kalam that "War is not a permanent solution for any conflict" and said that world peace cannot be achieved when we are continually making war around the globe.
He thanked the Garden City group chairman Dr. Joseph V. George for having him in the event and also noted that a number of Maldivian students were also studying at their college.
IS lacks any Islamic quality: Maumoon
