Importance of Madrid conference
PakistanPal
It is indeed welcoming to know that a three-day interfaith conference
has been organized in Madrid this week by Custodian of the Two Holy
Mosques King Abdullah. I hope the conference, which began on July 16,
will discuss ways for different communities, religions and cultures to
find ways to achieve common human values. God willing, this will be a
groundbreaking event. The selection of the venue is appropriate
because Spain is a country where Muslims, Christians and Jews lived in
peace for centuries.
It is horrific to note that extremism, prejudice and fanaticism are
spreading - something that may eventually lead to a collision. It is a
historical fact that religious, cultural and ethnic differences have
led to misunderstandings, hostilities and conflict.
The root cause of conflict is ignorance, which is also the source of
prejudice. By attacking innocents, the so-called jihadists have proved
that they are in no way better than the imperialists. If we allow this
trend to continue, much innocent blood will be shed and the world will
be in turmoil. There is a general impression that we should retaliate
to overpower and defeat the enemy. However, this view is against the
basic tenets of the religion of peace.
Every Muslim agrees that the monotheistic religions of Judaism,
Christianity and Islam trace their roots back to Prophet Abraham
(peace be upon him). But beyond this concept, the Qur'an has clearly
mentioned that every authentic religion was one and the same in its
original form. The Qur'an (17:70) proclaims that all human beings
should be treated with respect, irrespective of their race and
religion. Religion is the source of the humanitarian vision capable of
bringing together believers and nonbelievers alike for committed
action for peace.
The starting point should be our common humanity, our obligation to
God and respect for one another. Religion, like any other thing, can
be abused. Extremism is not the monopoly of a particular religion.
When religion is twisted to fit a political agenda based on violence,
hate and war, it is an abuse of religion. We understand that
religions, in their true spirit, promote the values of equality,
tolerance, justice, reconciliation and forgiveness.
As history shows, religious faith or belief can often prove to be a
much stronger force than considerations of pure self-interest. If all
religions become less exclusive and more inclusive, less sectarian and
more universal, less ritual-oriented and more value-based in their
approach and orientation, then this would have great impact on world
peace. The increasing influence of the exclusive, sectarian, ritual-
oriented interpretation of religion is one of the most formidable
challenges of our time.
The Madinah Charter that was signed by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be
upon him) with leaders of Judaism and Christianity during his time
provides answers to questions about how people of different faiths can
live harmoniously and settle disputes. It offers a superior model for
the conduct of dialogue in a pluralistic society, and ways to
establish political and social relationships among different groups. A
Muslim should deal with all human beings with love and affection after
understanding these meanings and principles.
The Qur'an encourages Muslims to have dialogue with the People of the
Book. "Dispute not with the People of the Book save in the fairer
manner, except for those of them that do wrong; and say, 'We believe
in what has been sent down to us, and what has been sent down to you;
our God and your God is One, and to Him we have surrendered.'" (29:46)
In two explicit verses, the Qur'an outlines the basic principles for
the relationship between Muslims and non-Muslims. "God forbids you
not, as regards those who have not fought you in religion's cause, nor
expelled you from your habitations, that you should be kind to them,
and act justly toward them; surely God loves the just. God only
forbids you as to those who have fought you in religion's cause, and
expelled you from your habitations, and have supported in your
expulsion that you should take them for allies. And whosoever takes
them for friends, those - they are the evildoers." (60:8-9) It is very
clear that God has instructed the believers to be kind to non-
Muslims.
Kindness is essential for amicable coexistence. The Madrid conference
called by King Abdullah offers a good platform for leaders of
different religions and ideologies to know each other and remove their
misunderstandings. There is no doubt that through dialogue, we can
promote better understanding and creative cooperation among various
cultures and religions. King Abdullah is trying to establish the fact
that contrary to the Communist principle of "Class War" envisaged by
Karl Marx or the Clash of Civilizations promulgated by Samuel
Huntington, the Islamic faith has a practical solution to establish
peace and harmony in the world.
In this era of conflict, chasms between civilizations, bigotry,
prejudice and war, such an attempt by King Abdullah to restore peace
and harmony has to be lauded and supported by all peace- and justice-
loving people. King Abdullah surely deserves the Nobel Peace Prize.