During the conference, various religious leaders took to the stage to discuss the role their respective religions can play to provide a compelling, comprehensive and cohesive mandate to achieve peace and social harmony in today’s world.
Source/Credit: AMA Vistoria
By Press Release | October 28, 2015
Faith leaders discuss the role of religion as a force for good in today’s world
On 24 October 2015, over 50 people attended a historic Conference of World Religions in Hobart, Tasmania. The conference, first of its kind in Tasmania, was organised by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association of Tasmania at the Hobart City Church.
The theme of the conference was ‘Peace & Social Harmony – as per the teachings of my religion.’ Among the people who attended the conference were religious leaders, scholars, audience from different faiths, local dignitaries, academics and representatives from various charities and faith communities.
Rev. Samuel Green, representative of the Christian faith, pointed out that the world is a divided place and highlighted the need to bring about a peaceful society. He said:
“I believe there are two different ways to deal with the problem, the easier way or the hard way. The easier way, being through a dialogue while the harder way through violence. The appropriate way to deal with the problem is through a dialogue, while the inappropriate way to deal with this problem is through violence.”
Rev. Green further said:
“Love your enemies, even if you disagree with them, if you do not agree with their lifestyle, it doesn’t mean you have to hate them, you just have to respect their ways of life and go on with your life.”
“The only way to bring peace into the world is going through the hard way. Question yourself; can I control my anger? Can I control my aggression? If not, then you have to challenge your own belief and desire, which is the hardest part.
“Who is responsible for global peace? It is you. I cannot make your world a peaceful place and you cannot make my world a peaceful place. When you have peace within your self, your household, you will then be satisfied and anger free, and stress free.”
Dr. Geeta Lad, President of Hindu Society of Tasmania, said:
“Peace of soul, this can be acquired by the practice of love and profound respect for each other. One should learn how to control one’s speech, actions and emotions with love, truth and peace. Let go of your ego and you can cultivate this.”
Imam Syed Wadood Janud, of Ahmadiyya Muslim Association Australia, delivered an address highlighting ways on maintaining a peaceful society that can lead to a peaceful world in light of Islam’s true teachings. He said:
“In the first world where we live in peace and security, there seems to be a deficiency of inner peace. Materialism and the pursuit of the American dream have driven many to the road of despair and misery.”Speaking about how Islam teaches Muslims to discharge the due rights of God, His prophets and His creation, Imam Janud said:
“A man who truly believes in God can never act unjustly or cruelly towards His creation. A Muslim cannot be a Muslim if he does not believe in all the prophets of God.”Imam Janud read out an extract from the final address of the Founder of Islam, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) delivered to Muslims, highlighting the need for unity, equality and justice between people. The Prophet said:
“O people, what I say to you, you must hear and remember, all people whatever nation or tribe they may belong to, and whatever station they may hold, are all equal. Then he raised his two hands joining the fingers of one hand with another, and said, even as the fingers of two hands are equal, so are human beings equal to one another. No one has any right to claim superiority over another.”
Imam Janud also read out an extract from a speech delivered by The World Head and Fifth Khalifa of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad delivered at the 9th Annual Peace Symposium held in Baitul Futuh Mosque in UK. His Holiness said:
“ It is incumbent upon each and everyone of you to strive to the best of your abilities, so that we can keep the flicker of hope alive, that a time will come, when true peace and true justice will be established in all parts of the world.”
“ I’m here personally to encourage dialogue, and through that, understanding and tolerance, not just between religions but with the broader community as a whole”Hon. Madeleine Ogilvie MP, Labor Member for Dennison and Shadow Minister for Aboriginal Affairs said:
“So delighted that this is happening in Hobart, and thank you for the invitation”.Guests were invited to take part in a question and answer session. Speakers were presented with gifts by the President of Ahmadiyya Muslim Association of Tasmania, Mr Rao Mubashir. The Conference of World Religions concluded with a silent prayer led by Imam Janud. Lunch was served for all guests.
-- Sufi Aziz, Press & Media Desk Coordinator
-- Historic ‘Conference of World Religions’ Held in Hobart, Tasmania
This content-post is archived for backup and to keep archived records of any news Islam Ahmadiyya. The views expressed by the author and source of this news archive do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of Ahmadiyya Times. Ahmadiyya Times is not an organ of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, nor in any way associated with any of the community's official websites.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thank you for your comments. Any comments irrelevant to the post's subject matter, containing abuses, and/or vulgar language will not be approved.