Interfaith conference calls for promotion of dialogue culture

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They also pointed out that misunderstanding about other faiths and cultures and absence of mutual trust were the main reason for conflicts.

The two-day conference, organized by the Makkah-based Muslim World League, called for joint efforts by people of all faiths to eliminate poverty, protect the environment and prevent weapons manufacturers from exploiting conflicts and wars. It also called for the establishment of a satellite channel to promote dialogue. “Let’s work hand-in-hand and heart-to-heart in this long journey,” said Rabbi Steven Jacobs, Rabbi Emeritus Temple Kol Tikvah in the US, while presiding over a session titled “The Initiative and the Scope of Coexistence among Civilizations.” The Rabbi asked the participants to join him in prayer for the success of the initiative.

Swami Agnivesh, president of the World Council of Arya Samaj, snatched the limelight at the conference. He expressed his delight over the progress achieved by the king’s initiative through the meetings held in Madrid, Vienna and Geneva.

He narrated a story from the life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to explain how kind and compassionate the Prophet was to a Jewish woman who used to throw rubbish at him while passing by her house. When the Prophet knew she was sick he visited her at home and gave her a basket of fruits. “This is the example we should follow.”

Agnivesh ridiculed Samuel Huntington’s theory of the clash of civilizations.

“That theory belonged to him alone and not subscribed by his religion or country,” he said.

However, he pointed out that Huntington’s theory instigated King Abdullah to think about this new initiative to promote coexistence between different cultures and faiths.

The Hindu leader urged the followers of different faiths to abide by the teachings of their faiths.

“How can we treat our sick society if we, the doctors, are sick,” he asked religious leaders.

He said he was ready to accept the good teachings of all religions. “We have gone far away from the teachings of God and our religions have become too ritualistic.”

Agnivesh said the fight was not between religions but between the forces of spirituality and materialism.

 

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