WYD08

Welcoming speech delivered at interfaith meeting with His Holiness,
The most respected Pope Benedict XVI.

By Sheikh Mohamadu Saleem
Executive Member Council of Imams.

Your Holiness, the most respected Pope Benedict XVI, the most respected Cardinals and Bishops, Venerated Clergies of all religions and faith communities, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen.

The Muslim community in Australia is delighted to welcome Your Holiness to our shores with the greeting of Almighty God and his prophets.

‘Assalamualaikum’ which means ‘Peace be with you’.

Last week I had the privilege to participate at an Interfaith peace ceremony” at Federation square in Melbourne that was held in conjunction with World Youth Day 2008 pilgrimage.

I was honoured to accept an “olive plant” from a young Christian student. The Olive tree will be planted in the court yard of “Virgin Mary Masjid” in Melbourne’s west.

This symbolism is significant for all –specially the youth today – to understand and appreciate that peace is one of the noblest ideals in Islam.

Islam itself connotes ‘peace through submission to God’. It is incumbent upon the Muslim to strive for peace.

However, peace is only possible through justice. In the words of the Prophet Isaiah (Jesus) (Peace be upon him), ‘Justice is the condition for Peace.’

In Islam too justice is fundamental. The Qur’an calls upon humankind to uphold justice whatever the costs and consequences for the individual or his family.
It says in chapter 4 verse 135, “

“ O ye who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to God, even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be against rich or poor: for God can best protect both. Follow not the lusts of your hearts, swerve you from justice, and if ye distort justice or decline to do justice, verily God is well-acquainted with all that ye do.”

Christians and Muslims – in particular the youth - are working together with people of other faith communities for justice and peace in many parts of the world.

Here in Australia, for instance, Christians and Muslims share many common concerns which have brought them together on issues, such as the protection of the environment, HIV –AIDS, helping the victims of natural disasters and many more. Of course, there is much more that we can do together to strengthen the bond between these two communities and others.

The Muslim community of Australia is very grateful for this opportunity to welcome Your Respectful Eminence. It is our hope that dialogue between these two religions and other faith communities be not only possible, but a reality.

Forging ties with people of other faiths, and with the larger society, is very much in line with Islamic teachings and the spirit of Islamic civilization.

Centuries ago, in Andalusia (Muslim Spain), in various parts of both East and West Africa, in Central Asia, in South Asia and in Southeast Asia, Muslims interacted with Christians, Jews, Buddhists and Hindus.

They accepted and respected religious diversity. Muslim scholars like Al-Biruni in the 11th century studied other religions with sympathy, while Al-Shahristani in the 12th century authored an encyclopedia of religions.

Muslims should become more inclusive and universal in their understanding of their religion. At the same time, significant segments of the Christian and other religious communities should overcome their misconceptions and prejudices of Islam and Muslims.

If Muslims, Christians and other faith communities reach out to one another and build bridges rather than erect barriers, the whole of humanity will rejoice forever!

For the past few days we listen to the youth saying “Let us promote fundamentalism of love, instead of fundamentalism of hatred”.

My greatest hope is “May Your Respectful Holiness be the inspiration of love, justice and peace” for the half a million youth who have congregated here to celebrate their faith with Your Holiness, and many more millions all over the world.

I wish Your Respectful Holiness a peaceful and pleasant stay here in Australia and safe journey home. Thank you.

Friday 18th July 2008,
Chapter Hall, St Mary’s Cathedral
Sydney.