Are Dialogues Between Muslims And Christians Possible?
July 16th 2008 was a historic day in Madrid. An interfaith conference was held bringing together followers of the world's leading faiths.
Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah bin Abdel-Aziz said,
"We all believe in one God... We are meeting here today to say that religions should be a means to iron out differences and not to lead to dispute. The meeting comes to shore up a constructive dialogue between the world religions. The participants should focus on what is common between the different faiths to help the dialogue succeed. Most of the dialogue (between religions)in the past has ended in failure. To succeed we must emphasize the common link between us that is a belief in God."
King Abdullah also stressed leaders from all religions' need to emphasize that "tragedies that have occurred in history" is not due to the differences between religions rather than the wrong and misleading interpretations of a few. Differences do not lead to conflict and confrontation.
Around 200 Muslim, Christian and Jewish scholars and other experts on inter-religious dialogue have attended the meeting.
Among the attendants were the secretary general of the World Jewish Congress, Michael Schneider, and Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, who is responsible for dialogue between the Vatican and Muslims.
Spanish King Juan Carlos also addressed the gathering at a ceremonial palace on the outskirts of Madrid, saying he hoped the meeting would be a step forward in interfaith engagement.
"We have always been interested in strengthening peace, dialogue and cooperation on the international stage," he said.
After the inaugural session, four closed-door round tables were held before a final communiqué. Discussions touched upon a number of hot issues including restrictions
on Hijab-wearing in some European countries to Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing be upon him) lampooning cartoons and the unresolved Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The interfaith conference is seen as an unprecedented move by the Muslims. The Saudi king launched the dialogue plan after meeting Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican last November, in the first visit by a Saudi monarch to the Vatican.
President of the World Jewish Congress, Ronald Lauder, expressed a similar view.
"It is the duty of religious leaders to work together to restore respect for ethical values and to avoid a 'clash of civilizations,'"he said in a statement ahead of the event.
Prominent Muslim scholars and interfaith experts issued in February an open letter for the world's Jewish community calling for a dialogue to improve relations between Jews and Muslims who have common ground of shared beliefs.
Last October, at least 138 Muslim scholars and dignitaries from 43 countries addressed an open letter to the world's Christian clergy,including Pope Benedict XVI.
The letter, A Common Word Between Us and You, called for dialogue to declare the common ground between the two religions.
The conference in Madrid came as the Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams issued a response to Muslim scholars' letter.
"We interpret your invitation as saying ‘let us find a way of recognizing that on some matters we are speaking enough of a common language for us to be able to pursue both exploratory dialogue and peaceful co-operation, it is a timely initiative given the growing awareness that peace throughout the world is deeply. entwined with
the ability of all people of faith everywhere to live together in peace, justice, mutual respect and love."Williams said in his 17-page letter, A Common Word for the Common Good.
Islam is unique in declaring the unity of humanity. The Muslim Bible is called The Holy Qur’an. It declares as follows: The reference numbers are given underneath.
And know that all mankind were once but ONE SINGLE community, and only later did they begin to hold divergent views. And had it not been for a decree that had already gone forth from thy Sustainer, all their differences would indeed have been settled.” Sura Yunus 10:19
This verse clearly indicates man’s homogeneity. Also man has the innate ability to realize God’s existence, oneness and omnipotence. Why did man then deviate from this basic perception? It is the consequence of the confusion brought about by man’s progressive separation from his inborn instincts towards the presence of God.
So, we have to have the dialogue to start with all those who believe in one true Almighty God and try to find common grounds. We should be ready to forget their mistakes and forgive them as God Almighty says in His Book.
“ Tell those who believe to forgive those who hope not for the days of Allah; in order that He may requite folk what they used to earn” Sura 45: Verse 14
Tolerance, coexistence, harmony and mutual respect are the basic qualities that are terribly lacking in the present day world but are important ingredients for the peaceful survival and progress of the entire humanity.
The following are some of the magnificent teachings (commands) of the Holy Qur’an.
1. There is no compulsion in the matter of religion. 2:256
2. Say: It is the truth from the Lord of you all. Then, whosoever will, let him believe, and whosoever will, let him disbelieve. SURA 18:29
3. You have your religion and I have mine 109:6
4. Remind them, as your (the Prophet’s) duty is only to remind, you can not behave as an overlord Sura 88:21,22
5. Say, O people, do what you have been doing, and I will what I wish, soon (in the Hereafter) you will come to know the truth 39:39
6. If they disbelieve in you, say : for me will be my effort, for you, your effort, you are not responsible for what I do and I am not responsible for what you do. 10:41
So we should never break the line of communication with other religions and cultures.
We should search hard for common principles and issues in order to ensure a harmonious life for one and all in the world.
It is possible and the most desirable if we are tolerant, give mutual respect and strive hard to co-exist in harmony.
Pam.Ameen
Read On......
Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah bin Abdel-Aziz said,
"We all believe in one God... We are meeting here today to say that religions should be a means to iron out differences and not to lead to dispute. The meeting comes to shore up a constructive dialogue between the world religions. The participants should focus on what is common between the different faiths to help the dialogue succeed. Most of the dialogue (between religions)in the past has ended in failure. To succeed we must emphasize the common link between us that is a belief in God."
King Abdullah also stressed leaders from all religions' need to emphasize that "tragedies that have occurred in history" is not due to the differences between religions rather than the wrong and misleading interpretations of a few. Differences do not lead to conflict and confrontation.
Around 200 Muslim, Christian and Jewish scholars and other experts on inter-religious dialogue have attended the meeting.
Among the attendants were the secretary general of the World Jewish Congress, Michael Schneider, and Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, who is responsible for dialogue between the Vatican and Muslims.
Spanish King Juan Carlos also addressed the gathering at a ceremonial palace on the outskirts of Madrid, saying he hoped the meeting would be a step forward in interfaith engagement.
"We have always been interested in strengthening peace, dialogue and cooperation on the international stage," he said.
After the inaugural session, four closed-door round tables were held before a final communiqué. Discussions touched upon a number of hot issues including restrictions
on Hijab-wearing in some European countries to Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing be upon him) lampooning cartoons and the unresolved Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The interfaith conference is seen as an unprecedented move by the Muslims. The Saudi king launched the dialogue plan after meeting Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican last November, in the first visit by a Saudi monarch to the Vatican.
President of the World Jewish Congress, Ronald Lauder, expressed a similar view.
"It is the duty of religious leaders to work together to restore respect for ethical values and to avoid a 'clash of civilizations,'"he said in a statement ahead of the event.
Prominent Muslim scholars and interfaith experts issued in February an open letter for the world's Jewish community calling for a dialogue to improve relations between Jews and Muslims who have common ground of shared beliefs.
Last October, at least 138 Muslim scholars and dignitaries from 43 countries addressed an open letter to the world's Christian clergy,including Pope Benedict XVI.
The letter, A Common Word Between Us and You, called for dialogue to declare the common ground between the two religions.
The conference in Madrid came as the Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams issued a response to Muslim scholars' letter.
"We interpret your invitation as saying ‘let us find a way of recognizing that on some matters we are speaking enough of a common language for us to be able to pursue both exploratory dialogue and peaceful co-operation, it is a timely initiative given the growing awareness that peace throughout the world is deeply. entwined with
the ability of all people of faith everywhere to live together in peace, justice, mutual respect and love."Williams said in his 17-page letter, A Common Word for the Common Good.
Islam is unique in declaring the unity of humanity. The Muslim Bible is called The Holy Qur’an. It declares as follows: The reference numbers are given underneath.
And know that all mankind were once but ONE SINGLE community, and only later did they begin to hold divergent views. And had it not been for a decree that had already gone forth from thy Sustainer, all their differences would indeed have been settled.” Sura Yunus 10:19
This verse clearly indicates man’s homogeneity. Also man has the innate ability to realize God’s existence, oneness and omnipotence. Why did man then deviate from this basic perception? It is the consequence of the confusion brought about by man’s progressive separation from his inborn instincts towards the presence of God.
So, we have to have the dialogue to start with all those who believe in one true Almighty God and try to find common grounds. We should be ready to forget their mistakes and forgive them as God Almighty says in His Book.
“ Tell those who believe to forgive those who hope not for the days of Allah; in order that He may requite folk what they used to earn” Sura 45: Verse 14
Tolerance, coexistence, harmony and mutual respect are the basic qualities that are terribly lacking in the present day world but are important ingredients for the peaceful survival and progress of the entire humanity.
The following are some of the magnificent teachings (commands) of the Holy Qur’an.
1. There is no compulsion in the matter of religion. 2:256
2. Say: It is the truth from the Lord of you all. Then, whosoever will, let him believe, and whosoever will, let him disbelieve. SURA 18:29
3. You have your religion and I have mine 109:6
4. Remind them, as your (the Prophet’s) duty is only to remind, you can not behave as an overlord Sura 88:21,22
5. Say, O people, do what you have been doing, and I will what I wish, soon (in the Hereafter) you will come to know the truth 39:39
6. If they disbelieve in you, say : for me will be my effort, for you, your effort, you are not responsible for what I do and I am not responsible for what you do. 10:41
So we should never break the line of communication with other religions and cultures.
We should search hard for common principles and issues in order to ensure a harmonious life for one and all in the world.
It is possible and the most desirable if we are tolerant, give mutual respect and strive hard to co-exist in harmony.
Pam.Ameen
