(Sharjah) – The importance of interfaith dialogue and peaceful coexistence, particularly among those who share the same land, nation, and identity, was the topic of discussion during the first session of the Sharjah Media Centre’s (SMC) Ramadan Majlis at the Expo Centre Sharjah.
Under the slogan ‘In the Culture of Dialogue’, the session was attended by Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmad Al Qasimi, Chairman of SMC, who said that enhancing the culture of dialogue and accepting others is a part of the emirate’s approach to promote coexistence and peace among its residents.
Mukhtar Aziz, Director of the Islamic World Studies Centre and President of the European Forum for Development and Dialogue, addressed the controversies related to the dialogue among faiths, religious sects, and people. He pointed out that Islam believes in the unity of monotheistic religions as they have a single source of doctrine, while the differences in religion exist by Allah’s will. While people must admit these human differences, they have to try and remove the obstacles that hinder interfaith dialogue, he explained.
Archbishop Atallah Hanna, Archbishop of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of (occupied) Jerusalem, also commended the role of the U.A.E. and Sharjah in delivering a civilised message to the world by taking part in peaceful and anti-violence initiatives and supporting the Palestinian cause in the international arena.
(Courtesy WAM)
