Meeting in Morocco, experts recommended ways to overcome the chasm separating Western and Islamic cultures.
Permanent bridges of dialogue between Muslims and the West need to be built in order to avoid misunderstanding and inter-religious conflicts, according to participants at a November 2nd-3rd Rabat forum on the role of Islam in the modern world.
"The exchange of views between experts is the best way of starting up a dialogue between cultures with a view to finding solutions to certain issues relating to religion, following a relevant academic approach that avoids tensions and misinterpretation," Moroccan Islamic Affairs Minister Ahmed Taoufiq said.
The seminar, hosted by the Moroccan Islamic Affairs Ministry and the British Council, discussed how to confront political leaders in terms of their management of religious affairs, both in Muslim countries and places with Muslim minorities. Taoufiq said that the meeting aimed to carry out a detailed examination of the matter so that members of the public from both the Muslim world and the West can receive guidance in order to tackle ignorance and prejudice.
The deputy leader of the Muslim community in Italy, Yaya Pallavicini, said that the primary obstacle causing conflict between Muslims and members of other religions is misunderstanding. According to Pallavicini, Muslims in Europe have a great responsibility resting upon their shoulders, especially with regard to education of the younger generations.
"Education must respond, at the same time, to the values of Islam and openness towards the West," he said, adding that the objective is to discuss the notion of co-existence. He drew attention to the decisive role of intellectuals, thinkers and the media in the fight against prejudice, which he said leads to confrontation.
The participants stressed the need for integration and tolerance as essential factors for Muslim minorities in Western countries to live peacefully and thrive. Contributors also emphasised that both parties must make efforts.
British Ambassador to Morocco Timothy Morris said that communication between the West and the Muslim world must be improved and that the cultural gap between the two must no longer be exaggerated. Instead, they must work together to promote awareness and wisdom.
He called on Europe, and in particular Britain, which has nearly 2 million Muslim inhabitants, to understand Islam. He explained that ignorance remains a sworn enemy, especially in a world characterised by the rapid spread of information.
Sociologist Bahi Azzedine told Magharebia that intercultural dialogue must be stepped up to overcome traditional ideas. He asserted that education is the best way of reconciling different points of view and enabling the values of tolerance and acceptance of others to prevail.
"Muslims living in Europe and the United States must make an effort to open their minds to the environment they are living in. At the same time, the host countries must guarantee them equality, starting at the workplace, to avoid social problems which are wrongly interpreted due to religious considerations," Azzedine said.
Sarah Touahri for Magharebia in Rabat
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