New Delhi— In a significant initiative to address the growing concern of rising crime in society, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) hosted an interfaith online conference titled “Rising Crime Rates in Society and Ways to Prevent Them.” The event brought together religious scholars and intellectuals from diverse faiths to discuss holistic and moral approaches to crime prevention.
Presiding over the conference, JIH Vice President Professor Salim Engineer emphasized that moral and religious training is essential to curbing the rising tide of crime. He stated that while laws are necessary, they alone cannot eradicate crime. “People have forgotten the purpose of life and the value of human dignity, which is emphasized in every religion. We must awaken society’s conscience,” he remarked. He also criticized crimes perpetrated under government patronage, calling them even more dangerous, and urged authorities to take firm action against such elements.
Professor Salim expressed grave concern over increasing crimes against women, children, and the elderly, and highlighted the erosion of family values. He stressed the role of media in shaping public attitudes and urged the judiciary to ensure swift justice. Drawing attention to global crises, he condemned war crimes in Palestine and Ukraine, where innocent civilians, especially women and children, are being targeted.
Echoing these concerns, Swami Susheel Goswami Maharaj of Sarva Dharma Sansad praised JIH for organizing such a timely discussion. He called upon religious leaders to rise above sectarian differences and unite against social evils. “No single religion can be blamed for violence. In a pluralistic society like India, we must come together for the greater good,” he said.
Swami Sarvalokananda pointed out that the issue of rising crime is not restricted to India but is a global phenomenon. He attributed the problem to a loss of humanity and said that faith and moral values must be instilled in individuals from an early age. “Moral education should begin at home, schools, and colleges to develop ideal citizens,” he said.
Father Norbert Herman lamented the increasing social inequality and injustice, which he said contribute directly to the rise in crime. He emphasized that promoting human values is the only way to resist the spread of evil and criminality.
Rabbi Ezekiel Isaac Malekar advocated for spiritual enlightenment in society and stressed that the judiciary must play a proactive role in delivering justice without delay. “Justice delayed is justice denied. Speedy trials are necessary to curb crime,” he noted.
Highlighting the psychological roots of criminal behavior, Marzban Nariman Zaiwala said that crime prevention must begin at the family level. He emphasized the need to transform negative thinking into positive values, especially among youth.
Sister BK Hussain expressed concern over society’s moral degeneration. She blamed individualism, selfishness, and a loss of spiritual consciousness as root causes of criminal behavior. “People must reconnect with their Creator and each other. If love and brotherhood are promoted, change will follow,” she said.
At the end of the conference, Professor Salim Engineer announced that Jamaat-e-Islami Hind would soon organize a large-scale offline conference on the same theme to further this vital conversation.
The event was moderated by Mr. Waris Hussain and concluded with a call for collective action, spiritual renewal, and stronger moral education to address the crime crisis from its roots.
