Wednesday, March 5, 2008

POPE BENEDICT WILL HOST MUSLIMS IN NOVEMBER 2008



Thursday, 6 March, 2008

In today's Khaleej Times, on the front page, there is an article titled: "Pope to host Muslims in Nov". This forum will take place from 4-6 November, 2008, and will centre on the theme "love God, love your neighbour". The article points out that: "The pope will also meet the participants, who will debate the theological and spiritual foundations of the chosen theme, as well as 'human dignity and mutual respect'". This initiative is part of an organised effort on the part of Muslims to engage with Christians and other religionists in a sincere dialogue that aims at creating a better understanding and appreciation of each other.

Let us be certain, however, that in dialogues such as these, we Muslims do not engage with a sense of uncertainty of the Islamic testimony that we bear. Goodwill and sincere dialogue do not require us to compromise the eternal truth of Islamic monotheism. The Holy Qur’an points out: “Never will the Jews nor the Christians be pleased with you (O Muhammad Peace be upon him) till you follow their religion. Say: "Verily, the Guidance of Allah (i.e. Islamic Monotheism) that is the (only) Guidance. And if you (O Muhammad Peace be upon him) were to follow their (Jews and Christians) desires after what you have received of Knowledge (i.e. the Qur’an), then you would have against Allah neither any Walee (protector or guardian) nor any helper” ( سورة البقرة , Al-Baqara, Chapter 2, Verse 120).

Islam is the fulfilment of the revelation that was given by God to all His messengers (peace be upon them!) before Mohammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him!). God warned the Prophet Mohammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him!) that if he were to compromise with Jews and Christians, after he had received the revelation of the Qur’an, then he would have not protector or helper against God Himself. The Muslim believes, simply: “Truly, the religion with Allah is Islam” (سورة آل عمران , Aal-e-Imran, Chapter 3, Verse 19).

Here is the Islamic perspective in a nutshell, I think: “We should have invented a lie against Allah if we returned to your religion, after Allah has rescued us from it. And it is not for us to return to it unless Allah, our Lord, should will. Our Lord comprehends all things in His Knowledge. In Allah (Alone) we put our trust. Our Lord! Judge between us and our people in truth, for You are the Best of those who give judgment” (سورة الأعراف , Al-Araf, Chapter 7, Verse 89).

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