IMAM Laiq Ahmed Atif, President Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta – Mob: +356 79 655 255 – amjmalta@gmail.com
I truly believe that religion is one of the greatest instruments of change and prosperity. When studying religions more profoundly, we find that their teachings fall under two main categories: the rights we owe to our Lord, the Creator, and the rights we owe to our fellow human beings.
In other words, we are expected to deepen our understanding of God and show deep humility and love for Him, while also increasing our compassion for humanity and working tirelessly to serve others in the best manner possible.
However, both of these objectives cannot be achieved affectively if there are divisions and conflicts among religions. Therefore, to fully achieve these objectives and bring hope and peace to the world, there is only one path: the path of unity, harmony, cohesion, understanding, dialogue and cooperation among all major religions.
Keeping the above in view, we find that Pope Francis has left a profound legacy in fostering interfaith understanding and interreligious dialogue, particularly between Christians and Muslims.
From the very beginning of his papacy in 2013, Pope Francis underlined a message of peace and inclusivity; and he was very eager to engage in interfaith dialogue and interreligious peace building. Furthermore, the title of his book “Fratelli Tutti” (we all are brothers) is in itself a manifestation of his openness towards dialogue and respect.
On 6 June 2015, while addressing an interreligious gathering in Bosnia and Herzegovina, he appreciated the work of a local Council for Interreligious Dialogue, which brings together Muslims, Christians and Jews. On this occasion while highlighting the dire need of interfaith dialogue he said, “Interreligious dialogue here, as in every part of the world, is an indispensible condition for peace, and for this reason is a duty for all believers.” [1]
Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis visited many Muslim majority countries like, Turkey, Morocco, Egypt and Iraq, reinforcing his desire of interreligious unity between Christians and Muslims. His historic trip to Abu Dhabi in 2019, where he signed the ‘Human Fraternity Document’ along with the Grand Imam of Egypt’s Al-Azhar Mosque, Sheikh Ahmed El-Tayeb, was a powerful gesture of unity and brotherhood. [2]
He demonstrated a deep understanding of interfaith dialogue and had meaningful conversations about Islam, which fostered respect and appreciation for the core principles of Islam.
On 28 October 2015, in Saint Peter’s Square, on the 50th anniversary of the declaration Nostra Aetate in relationship to other religions, while addressing Muslims, Pope Francis stated: “I am thinking in particular of Muslims, who —as the Council recalls— worship God, who is one, living and subsistent, merciful and almighty, the Creator of heaven and earth, who has also spoken to men. (Nostra Aetate, n. 3). They acknowledge Abraham’s paternity, venerate Jesus as a prophet, honour his virgin Mother, Mary, await the Day of Judgment, and practice prayer, almsgiving and fasting (cf. ibid.)” [3]
This emphasis on shared values is also echoed in Islamic scripture, where unity and cooperation are paramount. Almighty God calls towards the unifying approach in the Holy Quran (3:104) and states that, “And hold fast, all together, by the rope of God and be not divided.”
Furthermore, in chapter 3, verse 65 of the Holy Quran, Almighty God invites the Abrahamic religions towards the ‘love and worship of God’, a common fundamental doctrine that can serve as a unifying factor between them. Indeed, it is a milestone for further cooperation and joining hands for the wellbeing and prosperity of the entire humanity—the second core objective of all world religions.
Indeed, unity is strength. United we stand, divided we fall. Therefore, let us strengthen our efforts in interfaith harmony and deepen the bonds of love, kindness, understanding and mutual respect. Despite the present global political and economic challenges, we must rise to the occasion; heal our fractured world, and work together to build a peaceful, harmonious, and prosperous future through interreligious dialogue and understanding.
Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta 