08 Mar HBKU’s College of Islamic Studies Co-Sponsors Religious Tolerance Roundtable
In line with its mission to frame debates on Islam in a global context, the College of Islamic Studies (CIS) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) recently hosted a roundtable discussion on the theme of religious tolerance.
Co-sponsored by the Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue (DICID), Religious Tolerance: A Catalyst for Peaceful Coexistenceutilized case studies from across the Middle East to frame key talking points. Consideration was also given to Qatar’s unique contribution to promoting religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence. The first panel, beginning with DICID Chairman Dr. Ibrahim Al Nuaimi’s contribution, demonstrated the clear vision Qatar has to promote tolerance and co-existence in Qatar and abroad,while Dr. Hamda Hassan Al-Sulaiti, Secretary General–Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture andScience,highlighted the functions of Qatari cultural institutions. Dr. Rabia Sabah Al-Kuwari, Professor of Media at Qatar University,discussed the role of media and SheikhDr. Ali Al-Qaradaghiexpanded on the role of religion in promoting tolerance and co-existence.
Religious Tolerance: A Catalyst for Peaceful Coexistencefeatured a second esteemed panel of speakers from different faiths and perspectives to highlight the challenges and opportunities for co-existence and tolerance. These included Dr. Maher Khudair, Judge at the Supreme Shari’a Court of Palestine; H.E. Mr. Omar Ahmed Karim al-Barazanchi, Ambassador of Iraq in Qatar; H.E. Dr. Ahmed Al Qadidi, former Ambassador of Tunisia in Qatar; and theReverend Paul-Gordon Chandler, Senior Priest at the Anglican Churchof Qatar. Proceedings concluded with a question and answer session and further contributions from the floor.
Speaking after the roundtable, Professor Josef Waleed Meri, a historian of interfaith relationsand the history of religion at CIS, said: “It was an honor to co-sponsor this event with DICID. For me this event was as much about student participation as it was about the expert speakers who contributed their time and expertise. By pooling our knowledge and resources together we developed a roundtable which framed debates in both a historical and contemporary context. The diversity of guest speakers also reflects a simple truth: you can’t discuss religious tolerance without seeking the perspectives of other religions. The same rule of thumb also applies to peaceful coexistence, which cannot happen without a deeper understanding of different faiths.”
The College of Islamic Studiesregularly holds events to highlight its research activities and projects. For more information, please visit cis.hbku.edu.qa
Al-Naimi, during his speech, referred to The Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue , as a related institution working in for interreligious and intercultural dialogue, is engaged to contribute to prepare generations deeply rooted inreligious and moral values, capable of interacting with others within mutual respect and co-existence in harmony and harmony regardless of different religions, cultures and ethnicities, especially since the world has become a single village, and the fate of its inhabitants is intertwined and interdependent; so that what is happening in the east of the world resonates in the west and vice versa, distances, and the spread of information technology and the means of social communication language. He said that the disputes, regardless of its depth, are resolved through dialogue and no dispute can be resolved except by direct, frank and transparent dialogue.
Dr. Al-Naimi also stressed on the need of dialogue to promote peace, and spread a culture of peace. In this regard , the Doha Center for Interfaith Dialogue has adopted a strategy based on dialogue among followers of religions to better understand religious principles, values and teachings , address the issues and problems of humanity, mutual respect and recognition of the other, which in fact reflects the vision of Qatar in its relations with other countries and peoples, and in the treatment of all who live on its land of residents; respect for them and their children and practice their religious rites with all comfort and comfort, this certainly does not prejudice the teachings The religion of the Islamic religion, customs and traditions of the State of Qatar.
No Comments