'The Godfather' director seeks to calm world public increasingly jittery over IS

Renowned film director Francis Ford Coppola quoted a verse from al-Quran and stressed Islam as a peaceful religion when he was asked to comment on the current affairs at the recently-concluded 15th Marrakech International Film Festival.

Coppola, who sat as head jury of the film fest said this during a Q&A session with the press about the current state of affairs that connects Islam to terrorism.

In a rather compelling manner, Coppola said that the early history of terrorism linked to Islam must be thoroughly researched dating back from World War 1. He openly criticised a certain group of militants who had painted a distorted interpretation to their own sacred ‘kitab’ (holy book).

“If you know about the al-Quran, the first verse in the kitab reads: “In the name of God, the infinitely Compassionate and Merciful. Praise be to God, Lord of the Worlds, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, Master of the Book of Judgement."

Coppola instantly recited the interpretation of Al-Fatihah without hesitation much to the delight of the Press members who attended the press conference.

Coppola’s bold yet impressive recitation did not just end there.

“Whoever in the know of the religion (Islam) and how it emerged victorious in the 13th century, this was the era that gave humankind the wonders of science and mathematics. Everyone knows the roots of this religion, so two things that are of utmost importance, that God is compassionate and merciful.

"We believe that He will help us in confronting any conflicts that are hurting so many people. He doesn’t want anybody to get hurt.”

Francis Ford Coppola needs no introduction. Born in Detroit in 1939, the popular Italian-American director has directed a slew of award-winning films including the phenomenal, The Godfather and Apocalypse Now.