Why should members of different faiths join together in unity?
There is no doubt that we are living in one of the times when the world stands most in need of peace, friendship and brotherhood. The wars and conflicts that left their mark on the 20th century are continuing full speed ahead in the new century, and innocent people across the world are suffering material and spiritual losses because of these wars.
However, certain circles are insisting on inciting conflict between two of the world’s great civilizations. Yet it is clear that the clash of civilizations these people are imposing is leading to a terrible tragedy for all mankind. One of the main ways of pretending such a disaster is the strengthening of cooperation and friendship between civilizations.
The threat of radicalism: The good must Unite against evil
It is ignorance that lies under radicalism’s ability to find supporters, even though it is a harmful and destructive movement. People who are not properly informed, or who are misinformed or only informed one-sidedly, may fall under the influence of extremist tendencies and may adopt the ideas put forward by them without judging them properly.
Intellectual activities carried out jointly by members of the three revealed faiths will be a means whereby the conditions that prepare the ground for radicalism are eliminated.
Muslims must treat the People of the Book, Christians and Jews, with respect, love and understanding and tell them of the Qur’an’s call for “unity in a common word” in the best manner possible. This call is the secret to an alliance between Islam, Christianity and Judaism:
Say, “People of the Book! Come to a proposition which is the same for us and you – that we should worship none but God and not associate any partners with Him and not take one another as lords besides God.” … (Surah Al ‘Imran, 64)
The aim of this call is to invite all believers to unite around common objectives, to strive together against atheism, hatred of religion and social and moral degeneration, and to spread moral virtues by working together. This call is issued to all honest, conciliatory and virtuous Jews, Christians and Muslims, who are supporters of moral virtue, peace and justice, and are of good conscience and common sense.
