Srinagar, July 11 (KNS): Secretary General of The Muslim World League and the former minister of Justice Saudia Arabia, Dr Mohammad Bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa on Tuesady said that the need of the hour is to establish communications between cultures.
Addressing a gathering of religious scholars and eminent personalities at India Islamic Cultural Centre in New Delhi, Issa said that diversity promotes good relationship between cultures.
"Unity in diversity is the way forward. Tolerance needs to become a part of our lives. Muslim World League has alliances with different cultures of the world. I have many friends in the Hindu community. We wish to strengthen understanding between faiths. India despite being a Hindu majority nation has a secular constitution. I deeply respect Sadhguru and Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. We have many common values with many Hindu leaders and we respect differences. We know the Muslim component is an important component."
He said that Indian Muslims are proud of being Indians. "Religion can become a role for cooperation. We wish to reach out to everyone for understanding. The Indian wisdom has done a lot for humanity. India is a great model for coexistence for the entire world. There are many negative trends in the world and we have to work for strengthening the common values."
Issa added that India is a great model for coexistence for the entire world. "I have been engaging with diverse sections of India's society. It's a duty of every Indian to be patriotic. In my interactions, I found that Muslims are proud of being Indians. We have launched initiatives to end the clashes between cultures and civilisations. There is a true sense of optimism in India between communities."
He added that diversity is a great way to protect constitution and stability. "Education promotes a great role for coexistence. Community leaders have a role to promote tolerance and coexistence across the world. We need palpable steps to foster values of tolerance. We need alliances to shape our destiny. We have to understand that the Other is also a human being. Children need to be taught this from the early life. We have to do our part for a better future."
Issa said that Islamic culture is open to love, engagement and dialogue. In Islam, coexistence is a religious obligation.
"Islam teaches is to show respect to those we differ with. 1.8 Billion Muslims have to be the representatives of the true message of Islam. Muslim World League is open for dialogue with everyone. We deeply value Indian Wisdom. Islam is not only about tolerance but, Islam is about forgiving others."
He said that India is very open to visits from everyone. "India is an inspiration to the rest of the world for being open to dialogue. Our partnership with India is a message to the whole world. This alliance of civilisations is a message of harmony to the whole world." (KNS)