.IT IS an unfortunate fact that all parts of the today's world are enduring one sort of crisis or another due to numerous reasons. While some of these reasons are purely economic, others are due to intolerance in matter of religion, color, caste and creed. Almost all incumbent world leaders either did not try to get involved or have gotten involved in the wrong way. Nevertheless, the results have been the same: more and more bloodshed and loss of life. Most predominantly, the crisis our world is facing today is due to a clash of civilizations, even though one is definitely not trying to belittle the climatic crisis we are facing. In fact, the modern man suffers from all sorts of crises, from family disintegration and moral decay to environmental pollution. Wars and conflicts constitute extremely disturbing episodes in the history of humanity that urge all people to seek salvation of mankind from their excruciating pains. This is a general outcry that can be heard far and wide from both East and West and from every person, poor or rich, belonging to all religions and creeds. The whole world is looking forward to a mentor who would bring out a new formula for world peace, who would no more advocate war as a means for peace, who would sincerely shoulder the pain of humanity and bring in a solution which will be acceptable to the entire humankind, because the dangers that threaten today's world have undeniably put its very future at stake. With all of that in mind, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz has come out with a new idea that denounces the thesis of clash of civilizations and upholds the theory of mutual understanding among civilizations. The Interfaith dialogue that kicks off in Madrid, Spain, today, is the brainchild of the People's King, and is unique in the modern world. The world's renowned thinkers and scientists have always stated that peace can never be achieved by war, but can only be attained by understanding. The Madrid conference is a true example of King Abdullah's sincerity towards the people of the world and world peace. The conference is keenly watched by the entire human race to get the answers it needs to carry on with life. King Abdullah is giving out a loud and clear message to world leaders: it is not war and bloodshed that is the answer to the problems humanity faces. It is dialogue and understanding. Tolerance among people of different faiths is the need of the time. To accomplish tolerance, understanding is essential and sitting together and communicating is the only method of understanding. Though no one denies the differences among religions, there are common platforms where all the religions can come together. For example, all religions advocate such values as truth, morality, justice and peace, while oppose immorality, injustice and dishonesty. Dialogue among sagacious people of all nations is the most effective way to pinpoint the areas of agreement, explore and promote them, as well as formulate a common program of action. Fruitful dialogue is one that is based on common human aspects and seeks to achieve the best forms of acquaintance, coexistence and cooperation with others, despite any difference of religion and culture. With a dialogue that aims to deepen the culture of coexistence, we can marginalize the forces that still actively instigate hatred and call for inflaming disputes, malice, selfishness, and conceitedness. To join hands by people of all religions to promote virtue and prevent vice is the need of the hour. King Abdullah is the only world leader today who has taken a crucial step in attaining world peace, and for that, he deserves to be given the Nobel Peace Prize. __
