Ramadan promotes dialogue and coexistence between cultures and religions
Respect, reflection, dialogue, coexistence, tolerance and understanding between people who profess different religions and cultures but who find the opportunity to strengthen ties in a simple but meaningful act as highlighted by the Iftar host Hussam Siddiq Khoja, director of the Islamic World League in Spain at its excellent Islamic Cultural Center in Madrid.
On a day in Ramadan, the Islamic Cultural Center in Madrid, at its headquarters in the impressive M-30 mosque, brought together a group of political, diplomatic, business, social and journalistic personalities to celebrate together their commitment to interreligious dialogue and the promotion of peaceful coexistence in our society during this time of reflection.
Welcoming words were spoken by Imam Adil Hachmi, head of communications and institutional relations at the Muslim World League, who emphasized that the presence of various personalities “is a testimony of commitment to interreligious dialogue and the promotion of peaceful coexistence in our society. It is not just about breaking the fast, but also strengthens ties and relations between our institutions and entities and demonstrates support and dedication in the construction of a future where diversity is celebrated and respected in order to work together for peace, justice and mutual understanding”.
Iftar to strengthen ties
Those attending this iftar, this breaking of the fast, represented the diplomatic world, such as the director of Casa Árabe, Miguel Moro, and representatives from Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Bangladesh, Uzbekistan, Indonesia, Guinea, a senator from Grenada, as well as hotel and catering businessmen, from the Club Financiero Génova, from Ria Money, from FesaQyality, from the Rey Juan Carlos University and, among the sponsors of the evening, AIDMER.
Everyone agreed in giving a very positive assessment of the initiative of the Islamic World League in Spain, with its excellent Islamic Cultural Center, headed by its director, Hussam Siddiq Khoja, to hold an event that positioned it as a “demonstration of the commitment we share to strengthen dialogue and coexistence between different cultures and traditions... it is not just a social event, it is a symbol of open doors of sincere communication and bridges built on mutual respect and cooperation.”
Letter from Mecca
Hussam Siddiq said that Ramadan “is a time for reflection, for shared values to strengthen human bonds and commitments for peace and harmony among all institutions, associations and civil society with the aim of contributing to the common good of Spain and its diverse communities.”
In his speech, the director of the Islamic World League in Spain stressed that “we are not a separate identity, but an integral part of the Spanish social fabric, maintaining both our own identity and our institutional framework” and highlighted “one of the greatest efforts for understanding, closeness and coexistence between religions and cultures is the creation of the Mecca Charter, signed by more than 1, 200 Muslim religious leaders from all over the world, promoting the universal values of peace, respect and cooperation and recalling the importance of rejecting hatred and building a world based on tolerance and fostering interreligious dialogue.
Plaques of recognition
During the ceremony, two plaques of recognition and gratitude were presented for dedication, commitment and leadership in the promotion of religious freedom.
To Mercedes Murillo Muñón, general director of Libertad religiosa
for her tireless work which has been fundamental in promoting respect and coexistence between different beliefs, thus strengthening the fundamental values of our society
And to the commissioner of the Local Police of Ciudad Lineal, Manuel Moreno Almendro, for his commitment to the security of the Muslim community.
Before the prayer and the breaking of the fast, with a simple but delicious harira, soup, canapés and excellent Arabic sweets, Professor Felipe de Bassa, from the Rey Juan Carlos University and vice-president of the Genova Financial Club, took the floor to confirm that “this iftar is a moment of encounter, community, hospitality, respect and coexistence of people of different faiths, origins and ways of thinking”.
He recalled the origins of Spain and the deep mark left by the different cultures throughout its history and highlighted the legacy of the Arabs in science, architecture, philosophy and gastronomy and emphasized that “now in Spain there are 2.4 million Muslims, representing 4.95% of the population. They reflect wealth, religious diversity and culture and this iftar is a symbol, a bridge for mutual understanding. Sharing this moment between Muslims and non-Muslims is an act of coexistence, of intercultural dialogue. Religion in the 21st century, in times of the digital revolution, transmits universal values that are fully valid in today's world.
Professor Bassa stated that “the table is much more than a place to eat, it is a space for fraternity, for coexistence, which strengthens ties between people of different origins. It is also a unique opportunity for respect, for learning that allows non-Muslims to recognize and understand Ramadan from within as protagonists, promoting an inclusive and cohesive society”.
He ended his speech with a reference to the fact that “the world today faces great challenges, we hope that Allah will guide us in these challenges of the present and the future. Dialogue, coexistence and peace are necessary tools, understanding between cultures and religions strengthens societies and becomes a cornerstone of stability and progress for humanity. As Jean Monnet, founding father of the EU, would say, to achieve lasting peace it is necessary to start with very small steps, and this Iftar is a small step in this cultural understanding and comprehension.