Interfaith harmony: ‘Muslim, Christian, Jewish scholars launch campaign’

Dr M Ali Chaudhry delivers talk on Pakistan-US communities in the US.


December 16, 2010

KARACHI: Different religious organisations of Muslim, Christian and Jewish scholars have launched a big campaign in the US to promote interfaith harmony, stated visiting speaker Dr M Ali Chaudhry while delivering a talk on Pakistan-US communities in the US on Tuesday evening.

Dr Chaudhry, who is the president of the Centre for Understanding Islam, said that old and recognised organisations such as the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) and the Council of American Islamic Relations (CAIR) are a part of this initiative.

Similarly, Islamic organisations such as the Islamic Council of North America (ICNA), Inter-Faith Dialogue Group (IFDG) are also committed to spreading the correct message of Islam and removing misunderstandings regarding jihad.

“Not only are religious scholars of different faiths involved in this campaign,” he said, “people from law-enforcement agencies are also being invited to these meetings to ensure the security of all participating communities.”

Dr Chaudhry said that they have invited 30 imams from different parts of the world to speak on the teachings of Islam on bigotry. There is a growing realisation for the need to create interfaith harmony, not only in the US but all over the world.

“American people also want to learn more about the teachings of Islam particularly the concept of ‘Jihad’ since 9/11,” he said. “At the same time, Muslim, Christian and Jewish scholars have joined hands in the US against bigotry.”

Leaders in the US have decided not to allow “Islamophobia” as the American constitution guarantees the freedom to practise any religion, including Islam. They are of the view that pastor Terry Jones did not have the right to burn the holy book of another religion. Christianity does not allow the desecration of books of other religions.

Responding to a question, he said that the people in the US want Muslim leaders and scholars to condemn acts of terrorism if they are not permitted in Islam. Dr Chaudhry spoke of how Islamic organisations are now undertaking relief and charity work in less privileged communities. “More than 22 ‘Muslims Against Hunger’ centres have been established in the US to provide food for the needy,” he added. “Similarly, healthcare centres are also being set up by Muslim charities and almost all the major US universities are now offering courses on Islamic studies.”

Published in The Express Tribune, December 16th, 2010.

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