I came across an online video that shows a church in Germany opening its doors for Muslims to pray provided, of course, they followed certain instructions.
Of course, this drew applause from a cross section of social media users, especially at a time when everyone is combating the coronavirus. It also drew praise for those managing the church and their religion.
The heart-warming gesture showed how all religions co-exist in peace, brotherhood and love and respect one another’s faith.
The best example of this is His Majesty King Hamad, who has time and again emphasised this topic and spoken of its importance to citizens and residents.
His Majesty translated what he said into words when he issued Royal Decree No. 15 of 2018 setting up the King Hamad International Centre for Peaceful Coexistence, headed by Dr Shaikh Khalid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa.
The centre is making strenuous efforts to put into effect His Majesty’s aspirations for co-existence between religions and sects – the purpose for which it was established.
Bahrain has always been known for spreading the values of harmony and tolerance and it is its constant endeavour to build bridges of communication and promote dialogue between different cultures and religions.
This era is one of the most beautiful – in which we all live in perfect harmony, be it with Christians, Jews, Hindus and Bahais, etc.
However, I believe the centre should work with the Education Ministry to include its goals and visions in school curricula from the primary stage.
Inculcating such thoughts, ideas and values requires a long time and a lot of efforts.
It also requires a change in the way we think – to cultivate a culture that accepts religions through moderate discourse and demonstrate to the world that Islam is a religion of tolerance, love, forgiveness and peace.
Tolerance is of great value in Islam. It stems from all the freedom and equality the word means, and without gender superiority or racial discrimination. Islam calls for believing in all religions.
The God Almighty said: “The Messenger believed in what was revealed to him from his Lord and the believers. All believe in God and the fullness of God.”
Tolerance means recognition of the other.
It means mutual respect and recognition of the fundamental rights and freedoms of others.
But the question still remains: Will we open the doors of our mosques for other religions if the need arises, as did that church in Germany?
I do not think that will happen.
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