CM Revanth Reddy Calls for Unity and Secularism at ‘Prophet for the World’ Book Launch

Hyderabad, September 14: Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy stressed the need for unity and secularism in times of change. “Some people are trying to spread poison. We must work to protect the fabric of our society. We have to be careful of people who are spreading poison for electoral gains.”

“India is our country, and Protecting the country and its secular fabric is our collective responsibility,” he said. Speaking after the launch of the book “Prophet for the World” written by All India Muslim Personal Law Board President Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani, the CM highlighted the universal relevance of Prophet Muhammad’s teachings.

“The Prophet’s way is not just for minority [Muslim] communities but for all of humanity who are trying to live a peaceful and dignified life,” he said, stressing the inclusive message shared in the newly released book.

Addressing the book release program organized by Al Mahad Al Aali Al Islami in Hyderabad, the CM said the message of the Prophet (in the Quran), the Bible, and the Gita concurs with the idea of peaceful existence. He also expressed pride in Maulana Rahmani, hailing from Hyderabad, for leading a national body like the All India Muslim Personal Law Board as its President. The book released during the Islamic month of Rabi ul Awwal, the month of Prophet Muhammed’s birth anniversary, presents different aspects of the life of Prophet Muhammed (PBUH).

Sharing the dias with Hyderabad Member of Parliament Barrister Asaduddin Owaisi, and Minority Affairs Advisor to Government Mr. Mohammed Ali Shabbir, the Chief Minister lauded the efforts of MP Asaduddin Owaisi for being a rare and strong voice for India’s backward communities, describing him as “the voice of the oppressed.” Faheem Qureshi, Chairman and Vice President of TMREIS was also present on the dais.

The CM recollected that in the previous Lok Sabha, he too was a Member of Parliament like Asaduddin Owaisi, and held Asaduddin Owaisi in high regard for raising the voice of the oppressed in the parliament. Asaduddin Owaisi seems to be the only one of seventeen leaders who raises a voice for the oppressed, remarked the Chief Minister. Despite party differences, he has my appreciation. Everybody makes mistakes, but a strong opposition can help improve the government, said the Chief Minister.

Reddy urged people to set aside party differences and work together for the greater good. He pointed to initiatives like the restoration of the Esa and Musi Rivers and minority welfare schemes, such as two-bedroom housing for the underprivileged, decisions made after deliberations with other parties, as examples of communal harmony in action. He said we sought AIMIM’s cooperation to clean this river, and they have come forward.

The CM also commended Maulana Rahmani’s work, calling it “inspirational,” and suggested that the book can play a key role in promoting national integration and communal harmony.

In his keynote address, Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani emphasized the significance of Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) as the ultimate example of human excellence. Drawing an analogy between the human body and a sophisticated machine, Maulana Rahmani shared that on average a human being takes 33,000 breaths a day, the heart beats 115,000 times, and the brain contains over 100 million cells. “God has created the human being as the most advanced and intricate machine on earth,” he said. “To explain the best way of life and the proper functioning of this extraordinary creation, God sent the Prophet Muhammed (PBUH), much like He sent books of guidance to mankind, with the Quran being the final revelation.

Rahmani also underscored that the Quran is not merely a book of knowledge but a complete guide to living a moral and fulfilling life. “The Prophet set high moral benchmarks for how people should treat their parents, interact with their spouses, and live harmoniously with not just neighbors but even with animals, as well as plants,” he said, adding that Prophet Muhammed’s (PBUH) life serves as a practical example of navigating human life.

Touching on the topic of religious tolerance, Maulana Rahmani highlighted that Islam enforces equal justice for both Muslims and non-Muslims, particularly in cases of crimes such as murder and offenses against modesty. He called for respect and kindness towards all life forms, including animals and plants. The book, “Prophet for the World”, has already been translated into nearly a dozen languages, including Hindi, Arabic, French, Malayalam, and Telugu, making its message accessible to a broader audience.

Director of Al Mahadul Aali Al Islami and Maulana Rahmani’s son Mufti Omer Abideen, who compereed the program noted that “This book aims to dispel misconceptions about Islam and address the growing issue of Islamophobia. By presenting the true teachings of Prophet Muhammed (PBUH), we hope to foster a better understanding of Islam’s message of peace and compassion.

Islamic scholars cutting across different schools of thought, Muslim intellectuals, government officials and bureaucrats graced the book launch event.