Minority Affairs Minister K Rahman Khan today called secularism a virtue which teaches people to respect human values.

He was speaking at the inauguration ceremony of 'Islam and Modernity: The Perspective of Bediuzzaman Said Nursi', an international conference organised at Jamia Millia Islamia.

"In the context of a secular society, the views of Said Nursi are relevant. He has explained how a non-Muslim's rights should be respected, how he should be treated as a human being", Khan said.

"This is what is required today. Secularism is a virtue which teaches to respect human values. Once we respect human values, people will appreciate the teachings of Quran and respect Islam," the minister said.

Speaking about Said Nursi, a Sunni Muslim theologian who wrote the 'Risale-i Nur' Collection, a body of Qur'anic commentary exceeding 6,000 pages, the minister bestowed rich praises on him.

"His contribution, his thought, his approach to Islam is well known. He is a scholar of international repute. He lived and died for the principles of Quran," Khan said.

Tariq Anwar, minister of state for agriculture and food processing industries, and E Ahmad, Minister of State for External Affairs were also present at the inauguration ceremony.

The ministers spoke at length about Said Nursi's life and his contribution to society.