A message of love and understanding

Muslims and Christian account for more than 55 per cent of the world's population. It stands to reason that any potential disharmony between the two faiths will have a serious impact on global stability.

Which is why a letter from 138 leading Muslim religious scholars and leaders, calling for a strong common ground on which the two faiths can foster peace and understanding, is to be welcomed.

Never has the world been more in need of men of peace and justice from the two faiths reaching out a hand of partnership to each other. The two faiths, after all, share much in common in seeking justice and peace for so many of the world's people who lack the basic needs of life and who are forced to suffer indignities.

There may well be points of contention but there are also many areas of shared principles, the love of one God and caring for one's neighbour among them. This letter is an example of humanity that is all too rare in the modern world.

Nor is it confined to the leaders of the faiths. In everyday life, the act of reaching out and communicating is an act that will be well rewarded by experiencing a common humanity.