Durban – Secretary General of Muslim World League (MWL) Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa demanded an audience of scientists and intellectuals to confront hate-fostering atmospheres.
They should give emphasis to an aware civilization, religious representatives, intellectuals, academic institutions and influential podiums that share a large responsibility in fighting the rise of hate, which has led to the most tragic wars in the history of mankind, he said.
Speaking at the MWL sponsored forum on coexistence and religious diversity held in the South African city of Durban, Issa addressed some of the most prominent government, civil, religious and cultural figures worldwide.
The MWL chief reiterated that Islamophobia or any other form of hate has played into the hands of extremists, serving as a strategic rally ground based on an “us-against-them” rhetoric. Fighting animosity toward fellow humans must therefore be decisively, fiercely and unanimously fought so that peaceful coexistence prevails.
Coexistence is an eventual necessity, which international efforts must unite to establish through promoting tolerance and multi-religious coexistence in South Africa, added Issa.
Opposing coexistence has resulted in a brutal clash of civilizations which led to tragedy and war, said he added. Reasons of such a conflict is the short-coming of academic and scholarly outlets of taking positive steps towards raising a self-sustaining awareness among its pupils away from the orthodox way of teaching and preaching.
Resisting change also plays part in egging on conflict, while acceptance and openness towards different positive opinions reflects the efficacy of social awareness and educational safety, added Issa.
Youth are in need of an aware and mature environment that promotes openness so that they react positively to ideas or arguments even though they are based on a different cultural background, he explained.
Resorting to a conformist and isolationist mindset is a key factor that feeds into the conflict. Issa went on to say that positively reviewing other beliefs with good intentions is central to promoting coexistence.