'I always follow the word of the Prophet'

SRK clarifies that he has never said anything against the Prophet in an interview

It is really unfortunate that a section of people are reacting to some interview of mine in the way that is best describeable as an unfounded overreaction.

To clarify...there is a mistake either in the way my statement is printed or misinterpretation on behalf of the writer of the piece.

When asked who I think are the most influential people in the world, I had stated that on the negative side there are a few and very clearly said which is also my utmost belief that Prophet Mohammad has had the most positive influence on the world.

I think the way it has been written makes it read otherwise and I don't think the writer intended it to be so either.

It's just a grammatical and writing oversight. But obviously some people would like to believe baselessly that I have belittled our Prophet.

This is completely wrong because if one was to see my interviews over the past 20 yrs, I always quote on the teachings of the Prophet and how relevant his words are in a positive way.

Whether I speak on terrorism or women or just tolerance I always follow the word of the Prophet because that is what I have been brought up on and that is what I have studied and believed.

As a matter of fact, I personally try and follow all the tenets laid down by the Prophet.

It is unfortunate when people around the world say that I speak so well on behalf of my religion always, there is a section of people in my country who have not understood and appreciated my stance on Islam and the Prophet and are reacting to a misprint.

I would appeal to the good hearts of all people, Muslim and otherwise, that before the media makes all of us a tool for sensationalising every little misinformation, please look at this and all issues with a clearer perspective and only then react.

I have for so many years led a life as a good human being and a Muslim as has been possible, why would I take a stance of hurting the sentiments of my own people.

My parents, Allah bless their souls, would never forgive me if I did something against the teachings of the Koran and the Prophet.

I think I am a good Muslim and I don't need to explain that to anyone, but hopefully the people who are reacting wrongly, will have it in their hearts to respect their own Muslim brother and teachings of our religion and see sense and please stop the whole overreaction to a printing error, for it is nothing more than that, I assure.

For years, I have spoken not only to my friends and family, but to everyone about my great belief in the words of the Prophet.

Why would I, in any which way, lessen the importance of the most revered messenger of Allah and lessen my own existence as a human being and a Muslim?

Hope the matter gets sorted and we move onto all the better ways of thinking and loving our people and our religion.

And because of the printing/misinterpretation if any sentiments are hurt, I ask for forgiveness first from Allah and then from all those who are emotionally disturbed and promise that I will always check the copy of the journalists who do interviews with me, especially on sensitive issues.

That would be a practical solution to curbing any such misunderstanding in the future. Hope this will end the matter peacefully.