The Human Fraternity Document aims at preserving man and saving him from destruction"
The Secretary General of the Islamic Research Academy, Dr. Naẓhīr Muḩammed ‛Ayyād participates in the 40th Round of the Forum for Friendship among Peoples, to be held in Rimini, Italy, until August 24. The Forum will be attended by a number of senior clerics from all over the world.
The Secretary General delivered a speech that included many points, such as freedom of belief, interfaith dialogues, and the Human Fraternity Document items. The speech also touched upon the principles of the freedom of belief which are represented in human dignity as a basis for dealings among all the human beings. Moreover, he showed that difference is a normal human phenomenon and that justice should be the indiscriminative basis for the relationship among people. He added that it is mandatory to invite and address the different other via wisdom and gentle admonition.
The speech also addressed the general rules of the freedom of religion or belief which are to balance between rights and obligations, observe the limits of justice and moderation in personal freedom, and avoid violating the public rules and regulations.
This speech focused on the need for Interfaith dialogue, and how far it could contribute to our life. It also showed some realistic and successful examples of dialogue, such as the dialogue that took place between the immigrants to Abyssinia and Negus as he inquired about what the Qur‛ān stated concerning Jesus Christ and his mother Mary, peace be upon them. It also mentioned the dialogue between Prophet Muḩammad (pbuh) and the Jews in Medina which resulted in the covenant of Medina, stating the parties' mutual rights and obligations. It also focused on Prophet Muḩammad's dialogue with the Christians of Najran, as well as his messages and letters he sent to the kings of his time, among other traditional successful examples of interfaith dialogue.
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The speech also shed light on the Human Fraternity Document and the efforts made by Al-Azhar’s Grand Imam, Prof. Ahmed Aṭ-Ṭayyeb, and His Holiness Pope Francis, Pope of Vatican, to conclude this Document aiming to preserve man and save humanity from destruction.
It also referred to some items of this Document, including the firm conviction that true religions call for adhering to all the values of affection, tolerance and coexistence, emphasizing the role of human freedom. Those items also illustrated that justice based on mercy is the way to a dignified human life.