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In Kiev took place interconfessional conference (see picture story).

Kiev, April, 28. - The international conference which gathered representatives of Islam, Christianity and Judaism took place in the capital of Ukraine. Organizers and participants of the international dialogue aimed at promotion of ideas of tolerance, inviolability of human life and religious consent. At two-day conference, on April 25 and 26, were expressed the most different visions of the question of interconfessional dialogue, its place and role in the task of eradication of violence and extremism in the modern world.

In the meeting participated religious and political figures and businessmen from CIS, the USA, Europe, the Middle and the Far East. Among Islamic public figures in the meeting took part famous Islamic scholar Dr. Muzzamil Siddiqi, chairman of Fatwa Council of North America; Dr. Ahmad Saleh Al-Hamadi, one of the founders of the Community of social reforms in United Arab Emirates and Sheikh Muhammad Abdel Razzaq Al-Siddiq, the professor who represented Shariah university in UAE.

In his speech Dr. Muzzamil Siddiqi - director of Islamic community of California has allocated two questions on which interreligious dialogue should be based. First of all, this is that what unites monotheistic religions, and, secondly, the search for the solution to the problems existing between them.

Speaking about that what these religions have in common he said, “Muslim, Christian and Jewish principles are very similar. Allah and Elohim are the names of God which stem from one Semitic group. Moreover, we have the same historical connections proceeding from Monotheism of Abraham, ethical connections - ten precepts, ethics of fathers, ethics of Jesus and, certainly, the Quran, state similar universal ethical principles and values. We learn from each other. We believe that virtue will triumph. We believe in Messiah, all of us recognize respect for life, equality and love to one another. We need each other; we cannot solve all problems, material or spiritual by ourselves”.

Speaking about the problems, among the most important of them he named disinformation and stereotypes. In his opinion, the climate of disinformation creates the atmosphere of fear and mistrust. “Our world is globalized and in these conditions disinformation acquires awful nature. Nowadays huge riches concentrated in one hands generate poverty and famine in many parts of the world which frequently becomes the reason of extremism and terrorism. We condemn terrorists, but we should also reflect on the reasons of its appearance”, stated Dr. Muzzamil Siddiqi.

Besides he called everyone to be sincere, to solve the important problems and not to forget that the mankind has appeared from one parents. He called for tolerance and recognition of all cultures which appeared in this world. The principle of tolerance, in his opinion, is an attribute of strength and confidence.

Muzzamil Siddiqi paid his attention to one more important principle: it is forbidden to exploit people, but it is necessary to give them an opportunity to live properly. “We should follow ethical standards, support educational system and political freedom, say "no" to violence and exclude it from our life”, he finished.

Sheikh Al-Hamadi, professor of Shariah University in UAE in his report has paid attention to the basic aspects of tolerance in Islam. He said, “Islam considers mankind as something unified. Despite of differences in creed or colour of skin it should coexist in a peaceful way: “Allah forbiddeth you not those who warred not against you on account of religion and drove you not out from your homes, that ye should show them kindness and deal justly with them. Lo! Allah loveth the just dealers” Sura "Al-Mumtahina", ayat 8”.

The only criterion of the chosen people should be their righteousness and piety, since it is stated in the Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), which states, "There is no advantage at the Arab above the non-Arab and at the non-Arab above the Arab, except for in piety», quoted Dr. Al-Hamadi.

Friday sermon in the Islamic centre

During his stay in Ukraine Dr. Muzzamil Siddiqi, Dr. Ahmad Saleh Al-Hamadi and Sheikh Muhammad Abdel Razzaq Al-Siddiq have visited Islamic Social Cultural Centre in Kiev (ISCC) where on April, 27 Dr. Saleh Al-Hamadi carried out Friday sermon and prayer.

In the sermon the scholar has reminded to Moslems that worship to Allah consists in constant following His instructions - norms of the Shariah, and only that life which is built on the principles of Islam can be the proof of worship to the Creator.

He also paid attention to the present condition of Moslem Ummah which has practically no influence in life of the society. Therefore Sheikh has reminded, that Allah the Supreme always calls believers to strive for knowledge and progress, proving it by the 11-th ayat of Sura "Ar-Rad" in which Allah the Supreme says, "...surely Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change their own condition..."

Paramount task

After the collective prayer in the Hall of ISCC Moslems had an opportunity to talk to the member of European council of Fatwa and Research Dr. Muzzamil Siddiqi and to get answers to their questions. The questions mostly concerned life of Moslems in non-Moslem society. Then the scholar held the speech in which he called not to forget that Moslems, wherever they live, should always stay the united Ummah, brothers in Islam, as The Holy Quran teaches.

This unity is necessary for us as never before, because nowadays mass anti-Islamic propaganda worldwide is carried out, information about Islam is perverted and the personality our Prophet (peace be upon him) is condemned. Moslems should resist to all this in the most active way, following the Quranic principle “with wisdom and goodly exhortation".

Dr. Siddiqi has noted that the spread of knowledge about Islam is the paramount task of each believing Moslem. In fact, if it will not be done, the majority of people will stay ignorant and have doubts concerning Islam.

The scholar said that modern mass-media spread a lot of information, but practically nobody has correct image of Islam. In particular people in the USA have perverted image of Islam and Moslems. For example, according to recent pool conducted by the edition “Los Angeles Times" about 70 % of American citizens know nothing about Islam, some of them think that this religion is professed in Israel, and 85 % think that Islam threatens safety of their country.

Therefore, the scholar has concluded that our task is to tell about Islam to all who surround us in the best way. Unfortunately, nowadays the majority of Moslems cannot give to the people surrounding them true image of Islam because of their behaviour and way of live.

Sheikh Siddiqi has reminded that the true Moslem is the one to whom anyone can entrust his property and life, and the best example for us in this is life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Information Department of "Аrraid"

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