UAE | General
Muslims call for harmony
Harmony can only be established through peace and justice between Muslims and Christians, who make up more than 55 per cent of the world's population, according to leading Muslim scholars.
- By Samir Salama, Bureau Chief
- Published: 23:44 October 11, 2007
- Image Credit: Ravindranath/Gulf News
- Shaikh Jihad Hashim Brown (left) and Shaikh Ali Zain Al Abideen Al Jifri at a press conference yesterday in Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi: World peace and harmony can only be established through peace and justice between Muslims and Christians, who together make up more than 55 per cent of the world's population, according to leading Muslim scholars.
"If Muslims and Christians are not at peace, the world cannot be at peace. With the terrible weaponry of the modern world; with Muslims and Christians intertwined everywhere as never before, no side can unilaterally win a conflict between more than half of the world's inhabitants," the scholars wrote in an open letter to heads of all Christian churches.
The letter, signed by 138 leading Muslim religious scholars and leaders, has called for a strong common ground on which the two global faiths can cooperate in fostering peace and understanding in a world increasingly saddled with violence and clashes.
The letter has been received by the heads of all Christian denominations, - including Pope Benedict XVI - as the head of the Catholic Church and Most Reverend Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury, as head of the Anglican church. The global heads of the Lutheran and Methodist churches in America, leaders of the Orthodox Church and Eastern Churches have also been addressed, as have leaders of other Christian churches.
The basis of the letter is the shared belief of both Muslims and Christians in the principals of love of one God and love of one's neighbour.
Making the letter public in Abu Dhabi yesterday, Shaikh Ali Zain Al Abideen Al Jifri, founder and director-general of the Tabah Foundation, said the signatories hoped that the recognition of common ground will provide the followers of both faiths with a shared understanding that will serve to diffuse tension around the world.
"By following the Quranic precept of debating 'in the fairest way', we, Muslims, hope to reach out so as to increase mutual understanding, reestablish trust between Muslims and Christians," Shaikh Al Jifri said.
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