MQI President Addresses the Conference on “Islam, Religious Harmony, and Social Cohesion” in Canberra, Australia
Religious tolerance does not mean mere verbal debate, says Dr. Hussain
Professor Dr. Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri, President of Minhaj-ul-Quran International, addressed an international conference in Canberra, Australia on the theme “Islam, Religious Harmony, and Social Cohesion”. He said that interfaith relations do not mean engaging in mere debates, but rather creating space in one another’s hearts and societies with dignity and respect — and this is exactly the message of Islam.
The MQI President stated that Muslims believe in all divine scriptures and have faith in all Prophets. Allah Almighty sent the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ with the rank of Rahmatan-lil-Alameen (Mercy for all the worlds); how could the teachings of a personality who is a mercy for everyone ever be harmful to anyone?
Dr. Hussain Qadri said that the Prophet of Islam ﷺ laid the foundations of interfaith dialogue, and the Charter of Madinah is a shining example of this. The teachings of Islam, he said, provide the principles of mutual respect, justice, and interfaith tolerance. Islam does not teach hatred towards any religion, country, or individual. Any state that ensures justice, personal freedom, protection, and equality is considered Dar al-Islam (abode of peace and justice). The Qur’an teaches that there is no compulsion in religion. In the light of these Qur’anic teachings, no Muslim can be violent or extremist.
He emphasized that sectarianism, racial discrimination, and narrow-mindedness are major obstacles to the promotion of international brotherhood. He noted that Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri founded Minhaj-ul-Quran 45 years ago to promote interfaith tolerance and eradicate sectarianism.
Highlighting an example, Dr. Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri said that Minhaj University is a practical model of interfaith dialogue and tolerance, where all minorities of Pakistan are provided with educational facilities — from Master’s to PhD programs — in accordance with their religious teachings.
The conference was also addressed by Deepak Raj Gupta, Chief Emmanuel, Amar Deep Singh, Ravi Krishan Murthy, Rana Abdul Rahim, Mirza Muhammad Abbas, Sheikh Mohiuddin, Zaheer Alvi, Faisal Sheikh, Muhammad Ali, Asad Khan, and others.
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