UNESCO Declared Islam as Most Peaceful Religion of World: Fact Check

Story:

UNESCO has declared Islam is the most peaceful religion of the world

Other Versions

On the 4th day of July 2016, we declare that Islam is the most peaceful religion of the world – UNESCO

Image about UNESCO Declared Islam as Most Peaceful Religion of World

Fact Check:

Some messages doing rounds online claim UNESCO has declared Islam is the most peaceful religion of the world. They also show a copy of the certificate allegedly issued by UNESCO on 4th of July 2016. No, the claims are not true.

UNESCO Did Not Certify Islam as Most Peaceful Religion

The claims in question are circulating online since at least 2016 along with the ‘UNESCO certificate’. They keep surfacing again on various social media platforms and other online outlets.

The origin of these claims goes back to an article on Junta Ka Reporter website juntakareporter.com published on 4th July 2016. It carried the same title saying, ‘UNESCO declares Islam as the most peaceful religion of the world‘. The article said the United Nations body partnered with International Peace Foundation to study all religions of the world and find out which was most peaceful amongst all. The website also showed a copy of the ‘UNESCO certificate’ claiming it as a document of the official recognition.

Screenshot of the article on Junta Ka Reporter website

Satire Origin

Yes, the origin of the messages, i.e. Junta Ka Reporter website is a satirical publication. In past, the website has published several false stories as satire. For example, in the same month of July 2016, an article on it claimed Indian PM Narendra Modi water costs 10 Crore rupees during his Navratri fast. Junta Ka Reported website also carries a Disclaimer clarifying its satirical nature, saying everything published there is made up.

PM Modi Water Costs 10 Crore Rupees During Navratri Fast: Fact Check

So, the messages claiming to show UNESCO declared Islam as most peaceful religion of the world are hoaxes. Despite the satirical nature, the story became so popular on social media in 2016 that UNESCO issued a press release clarifying the matter. The organization said they never made any such statement and the accompanying certificate is a fake one. UNESCO said it has never had any official relationship with the International Peace Foundation. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) also said they promote respect on equal grounds for all traditions and faiths.