Why is the world mired in so much of tumult and troubles and are there any hopes and signs that could help heal frictions and fractures along ethnic, political and religious lines?
A colloquium organized by The Commongrounds interfaith organization reflected on thoughts like these, bringing some of the leading voices from Christianity, Buddhism, Islam and Judaism. The participants spoke amid ongoing multiple conflicts in the Middle East. The resolution to these conflicts through religious harmony and political settlement is seen as critical to peace and stability around the world.
Dr. Zulfiqar Kazmi welcoming interfaith speakers
The common message – Abrahamic faiths originated from the one same family of Prophet Abraham and from the same region, and all of them – Christianity, Islam and Judaism, emphasize mutual love, respect and peaceful coexistence.
Dr. Zulfiqar A Kazmi, who heads The Commongrounds, opened the Abrahamic Faith Forum with a presentation on how it offered a platform for discourse on the key issues of the time.
Imam Abu Al Fazl Nahidan, Director of the Manaasas Mosque, traced spiritual origins and relationships between all three major Abrahamic faiths. He described how followers of three religions are interrelated like cousins of a family, and therefore, there was no question of an inherent conflict. He also drew attention of the gathering to spiritual relationship that God as the Creator has fostered and his many creations invite human beings to ponder over His messages of unity within diversity.
Recipients of Peace Award
Richard de Sena, President of Universal Peace, Federation, USA, made a slide presentation on the works of the organization – as acknowledged by the United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.
Sena said the UPF works closely with civili society and international leaders to highlight the message of peaceful coexistence, and love – a theme common to all Abrahamic faiths, and preached by all prophets.
Richard de Sena President UPF, USA
He rejected the impression that faiths encourage violence, and noted, how they called for uniting the people with mutual empathy and understanding.
Tomiko Duggan, Director of Public Affairs, UPF International, apprised the full house gathering of how Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon, founder and Dr Hak Ja Han Moon, co-founder envisioned to build bridges between faiths, cultures, races and civilizations.
Tomiko Duggan, Director Public Relations UPF International
On behalf of the UPF International, she presented Ambassador For Peace award to outstanding peace builders including Naeem Malik, Syed Ali Muhammad Rizvi, Mian Wasim, Syed Javed Hasnain Kazmi, Ustad Dilshad Hussain Khan, Khursheed Alam Khursheed.
Views and News magazine was also honored with the award in recognition of work toward evolving mutual tolerance and understanding on multiculturalism and peaceful relations between civilizations.
Barbara Moseley-Marks and Ustad Dilshad Hussain Khan also emphasized the spiritual dimension of life, saying these begin with the individual and then transcend to higher levels involving welfare of all around in the society. The Khan also performed some of the famous classical tunes befitting the message of peace.
An uplifting feature of the event was recognition of the commitment and courage of special person Khurhseed Alam Khursheed who has refused to be limited by physical challenges to emerge as a social activist with a gifted musical voice.
The event drew attendance of leaders and opinion makers form across the diverse plural cultures in D.C. metro area and beyond.
