Abdul Aziz Valiyaveetil | azizvk@yahoo.com
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.
