KUWAIT : Saying he hopes peace and prosperity will reign in the Muslim and Christian worlds Shiite leader Sayed Mohammed Baqer Al-Mahri was recently quoted as saying Islam not only respects all heavenly religions but also the Prophets including Prophet Jesus Christ (PBUH). During a meeting with a delegation representing 'Integration of Civilization', Al-Mahri said Islam is about tolerance and forgiveness. He indicated hatred and discrimination have no place in Islam. He stressed again that Islam respects all prophets and Prophet Christ (PBUH) is not only the prophet for Christians but the entire mankind. He called Christ (PBUH) the symbol of love, peace and worship to Allah.
He congratulated the Christians on the birth of Prophet Jesus (PBUH) son of Mariam, indicating former president of the Islamic Republic of Iran Mohammed Al-Khattami had asked for a dialogue between religions and civilizations to better understand these religions so that peace could be restored in the world. For his part, the custodian of Holy Al-Quds, Archbishop of the Greek Orthodox Dr Attullah Hanna praised the comments of Al-Mahri which he said are full of love and belief. He went on to say, "We are happy to visit Kuwait during the hosting of this meeting to achieve dialogue between religions and civilizations. He added the entire Arab world shares in the common roots and civilizations. He reminded Jesus Christ (PBUH) was born on Arab soil. He said their meeting with their Muslim counterparts will bear fruit in terms of bringing understanding among religions and peace and love between mankind. He added the Palestinian Muslims and Christians in the Holy Land share a common culture and beliefs.
Integration
He hoped the meeting in Kuwait will result in integration and love between religions and services towards humanity. He indicated "our stance should not be based on what he called 'sectarianism' and 'groupism'. Besides we must work towards prosperity and peace in the world. He thanked Kuwait for hosting the meeting between religions. He also thanked the initiative of Al-Tawafuk Movement. Archbishop of Jubail, Lebanon Dr Bashra Yousuf Al-Rae said the initiative of Al-Tawafuk Movement is unique when it comes to justice and tolerance between religions. He rejected those who are hiding behind the cover of fundamentalism and intolerance. He said, "We reject the policies of such people and their strategies too." He added the delegates have full faith the Kuwait meeting will bring better results. Pastor Bejoul representing the Egyptian Orthodox Church in Kuwait congratulated all the people on the occasion of the Eid Al-Adha and Christmas festivals.
Indicating "we are all brothers" he thanked the initiative taken by the Al-Tawafuk Movement to implant love and peace between Muslims and Christians and between Sunnis and Shiites. He thanked the Government of Kuwait which encourages such dialogues in particular HH the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah, HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah and the people of Kuwait. Pastor Amanail Ghareeb of the Anglican Church in Kuwait praised the initiative undertaken by the Al-Tawafuk Movement. He said the dialogue comes at a proper time when Muslims are celebrating the Eid Al-Adha and Christians are anxiously waiting to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ (PBUH).
Congratulated
He congratulated the Kuwaitis and the government of Kuwait on the occasion of the Eid Al-Adha. Archbishop Camillo Ballin representing the Holy Family Cathedral in Kuwait also congratulated the people and the government of Kuwait on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha. Former Iranian Minister of Interior Abdul Wahid Mousawi Larri said this is an excellent occasion and a good gathering for the birth of Prophet Christ (PBUH), who has brought the message of peace and prosperity and dismantled barriers between the peoples of the book.
He added Muslim and Christian leaders have gathered for a dialogue to find solutions to problems facing the people in Iraq, Palestine and Afghanistan and create an atmosphere of tolerance between different religions and sectors in the world. He called on everyone present to follow in the footsteps of prophets and messengers. Secretary-General of Al-Tawafuk Movement Zaheer Al-Hameed thanked the delegations and praised the role of the Amiri Diwan Minister Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmed for his support and former minister of Commerce and Industry Salah Khorshid for sponsoring the event.
By Sameh Shamsudeen
© Arab Times 2007
