The conference was organized by the Cultural Council of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in conjunction with St. Paul University, Tangaza University college, and Ummah University.

The Conference was held at St.Paul University College in Limuru on 1st of November 2018.

The theme of the conference was Together Against Extremism and Religious Radicalism.

Speakers of the conference were drawn from the participating universities.

Radicalization and violent extremism has generally been linked to Islamic terrorism. The confernce was organized with the aim to understand fundamentalism, radicalization and violence in all the Abrahamic Faith.

Below is the full speech of the Cultural Counselor, Mr. Mahmoud Majlesain.

In the name of God the Merciful the Compassionate

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good Morning,

First of all, I would like to express my appreciation to the organizers of this conference on extremism and radicalization

Like many of you in this Conference, I am deeply concerned about the increase of extremism, violence and conflicts in the World, including Africa.

The threats of terrorism from groups like al Qaeda, al Shabaab ,Daesh , ISIS and other Takfiri groups is  turning into a global problem.

Extremism is a cancer that continue to weaken states, increases sectarian tensions, and has been directly responsible for the death, and displacement of millions of people – most of them Muslims.

Today, terrorism is quickly linked with religion – and more specifically with Islam –

but is this really the truth?

I believe Religion is a source of Peace, love and affection.

They try to convince us that religion promotes violence and terrorism. Is this true? Should we believe that?

They try to emphasize that religion is responsible for terrorism.  Is it the truth? Never, Never.

When you see groups like ISIS declaring itself, the Islamic State, it is because they are desperate for recognition.

They know that there is nothing Islamic or religious about them or their misguided ideologies.

These terrorists do not represent or speak for the Muslim Ummah who rejects their hateful ideology.

They change the pure Islam by selectively, misquoting the Holy Quran to suit their mission and agenda.

Islam is a peaceful religion, Our Almighty Allah is a merciful, compassionate God, and our prophet Muhammad PBUH was sent to the world as a mercy to mankind.

We should not allow these terrorists an opportunity to show Islam as a violent religion.

We should we give them the religious recognition that they seek.

I personally believe that all Abrahamic religion seriously advocate for peace and harmony, and not violence and terror.

When any religion encourages terrorism then it stops to be a true religion.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Terrorism is at the forefront of international politics and is a major crisis of our time.

Terrorism is a tool to achieve a political goal, with the main aim of forcing people to take a certain action.

For instance, the biggest disaster which is causing great suffering in the Middle East region today is the spread of terrorism and conflict.

When you carefully analyze and study the origins of these conflicts, you can clearly see that the main cause for the happening of such crisis is the misuse of terrorism by some international powers to advance their goals and promote their policies in the Middle East and around the world.

Without any sense of responsibility for the future of humanity and safety of human societies,  they easily exploit these very dangerous ways to achieve their sinister goals.

Another important point that I must mention is about the youth who are a priority for any nation.

But unfortunately violent extremists are using them to promote their misguided cause.

Terrorist groups convince the youth through false propaganda and corrupted ideologies, using social media to radicalize the youth.

Finally ladies and gentlemen, to remove the cancer of terrorism, we need to learn more about all abrahamic religion and find unity under the umbrella of these religions.

We must partner together on ideas which will make the world a better place by organizing such forums and other interfaith dialogues.

Together, as one community of the Abrahamic faiths we must refuse to be exploited by terrorists and their hateful ideologies.

Thank You very much for listening to me.

May the Almighty God bring his blessing peace and harmony among us.