Indore, Sep 14: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday met Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, spiritual head of the Dawoodi Bohra community at Saifee Mosque in Indore in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh. PM Modi attended 'Ashara Mubaraka' - a commemoration of the martyrdom of Imam Husain, organsied by the Dawoodi Bohra community.

Addressing the event, PM Modi had imbibed the message of Imam Hussain and taken it to the world and his message has a greater relevance in today's world. "We are people who treat the world as a family and follow the tradition of taking every one along. This is the strength of our society, our heritage that distinguishes us from other countries," Modi said. Remembering the sacrifices of Imam Husain, the prime minister said the Imam always stood against injustice and attained martyrdom for peace. Muharram 2018: Relevance, Importance and Key Facts About the 1st Month of Islamic New Year.

Appreciating the work done by Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, the head of the Bohra community, which has a good number of business people, Modi said love and dedication towards the nation are hallmarks of his teachings. He said the government was encouraging honest businessmen through laws like the GST and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code and has succeeded in sending a clear message in the past four years that business should be carried out according to rules.

He said the country has achieved an over 8 per cent GDP growth rate due to the fair business practices encouraged by his government. "The businessmen and traders are the backbone of economy. They are an important unit to produce employment. They are being encouraged to the extent possible. But this is also true that all five fingers are not alike. There are people in society who treat dishonesty as business," Modi said.

"In the last four years, the government has succeeded in giving a clear message that all activities should take place within the rules. The honest businessmen are being encouraged through GST, Insolvency and Bankruptcy code," Modi added. Modi said his relationship with the Bohra community was very old and they supported his endeavours when he was chief minister of Gujarat.

Prior to PM Modi's address, Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin addressed the gathering and wished the prime minister on his birthday in advance. "I convey birthday wishes to you in advance and pray for your long life. May you get success in all that you do for the country," the spritual head of Dawoodi Bohra community said. The event was also attended by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Narendra Modi Has Created Enough Darkness For Common Man, Says Asaduddin Owaisi After PM Slams Opposition.

Ashara Mubaraka refers to a period of ten days at the beginning of the Islamic year dedicated to the remembrance of Prophet Mohammed and his grandson Imam Husain. The tenth day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, is known as Ashura and marks the day on which Imam Husain was martyred along with his family members and companions. The BJP-ruled state is due for the polls later in the year.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 14, 2018 11:32 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).