New Delhi: Days before the crucial polls in Karnataka, which has a sizeable presence of Muslim population, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday made a reference to one of the greatest teachings of Islam and said the Prophet (PBUH) himself had said that the biggest lesson for life is to help poor and feed the needy.
“Pegambar sahab ne ekbar kaha – Kisi Garib aur zarurat mand ko khilana aur sabhi se sadbhav se milna, chahey aap unhe jantey ho ya nahi (The Prophet (PBUH) himself had once said that greatest teaching of Islam is to help the poor and needy and feed them, irrespective of whether you know them or not),” Mr Modi said in his monthly radio broadcast Mann-Ki-Baat programme over the All India Radio.
The Prime Minister said very shortly, the sacred month of Ramzan will start and this will be the time to reflect on the teachings and messages of the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH).
“From Prophet’s life, we must learn to live in equality and harmony,” Mr Modi said.
“The Prophet (PBUH) had great faith in knowledge and love and affection. He was never proud of anything. Prophet (PBUH) used to say it is the pride that kills one’s knowledge,” he added.
According to BJP sources, the Prime Minister will be launching his much-awaited election campaign from Monday.
The vital elections to Karnataka Assembly will take place on May 12, while the counting of votes will be taken up on May 15.
BJP, which was in power from 2008 to 2013, had lost power to traditional rival Congress five years back and is now making a determined attempt to regain its hold in the southern state.
Muslims form about 13 per cent of 60 million people in Karnataka and can certainly tilt the electoral balance, particularly in key political hubs, where they are as high as 20 per cent.
