MINA — Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah has called on the Muslim Ummah to reject hatred in all its forms and embrace the concept of love, peace, harmony and coexistence. In his address Tuesday at the annual reception for leaders of Islamic countries; Islamic dignitaries; guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and heads of Haj missions performing this year's Haj, the King congratulated all on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha and beseeched Almighty Allah to accept the pilgrimage of all, shower His choicest mercies and forgive one and all, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said. The King's address was read out on his behalf by Crown Prince Salman, Deputy Premier and Minister of Defense. King Abdullah said we all take pride in being part of the great Muslim Ummah “which stands united, shares same worries and hopes. We are all aware that our glory and pride come by holding tight to our belief, which stimulates all sort of ethical principles that our Lord has asked us to follow.” Islam, the King said, is known to be a religion of moderation, clarity, and forgiveness. “This concept helps us in understanding and engaging in dialogue with the others. It also acts as our civilized guide in understanding ideas such as freedom of religions, cultures and beliefs.” The King continued: “What we have agreed on with the others is based on ethical methods of dialogue which do not conflict with our belief. It should be honored. On the contrary, if we disagree, the decisive words on the issue are what our religion has explained to us. It is stated in the Holy Qur'an: ‘To you be your way, And to me mine'.” Allah Almighty, the King said, has stated: “Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from error.” According to this notion Saudi Arabia has established King Abduallah Bin Abdulaziz International Center for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue. The center, the King said, “acts as a gate between Muslims, and other religions and cultures, declaring to the world that we are extending our hands with an initiative that respects all the followers of divine religions. The initiative is against hatred and violence and it shows to the world that Islam is a religion of purity, clarity and moderation.” As the Ummah has done to narrow down its differences with non-Muslims, it is also essential that all Muslims must avoid skirmishes and disunity. “Therefore we have ordered the establishment of the Center for Dialogue Among Islamic Sects in Madinah. The establishment of the center was recommended by the Islamic Solidarity Conference held in Makkah in Ramadan 1433 Hijra. Our concern of the Islamic Ummah was the aim to establish the center in order to avoid disunity and division. We are convinced that dialogue among Islamic sects with Allah's grace and help, is the appropriate method to understand each other. What we have agreed on is, thanks to God, due to His favor, and what we have disagreed on should not be a way to destroy the unity of Islamic Ummah. By Allah's grace, the door of interpretation (ijtihad) is open, and this is why we have different views among Islamic schools of interpretations. Having said that, the basics of our faith should not be touched, and we don't accept any bargaining on them,” the King said. Stressing again on the unity of the Ummah and rejection of hatred, the King said: “We live in harmonious world where hatred is rejected, predominance and arrogance are objected. Whoever realizes this notion, our hearts are capable and willing for all sorts of friendship, and for those who choose otherwise, it is their business. Yet, we are firm in maintaining the dignity and the pride of our people.” Those who were present at the event included President Abdullah Gul of Turkey; President Mamnoon Hussain of Pakistan; President Omar Al-Bashir of Sudan; President Mohamed Ould Abdelaziz of Mauritania; President Manuel Serifo Nhamadjo of Guinea-Bissau; Prime Minister Abdullah Nsour of Jordan; Vice President Noureddine Bourhane of the Union of Comoros, and senior officials from several Islamic countries.
