The Muslim International Forum fully supports the initiative of the Head of the Roman Catholic Church in fostering interfaith dialogue between Catholics and Muslims.

For the past 2 months, the topic of the Islamic-Christian dialogue has again become relevant for Europe and the Middle East. In February 2019, Pope Francis made a historic visit to the United Arab Emirates, where, together with the rector of the University of Al-Azhar Sheikh Ahmad at-Teyib, he signed a document calling for a dialogue of religions. This visit of the Pope became historic not only because of the Document signed jointly with the Muslims, but also because before him no other head of the Roman Catholic Church attended the Arabian Peninsula.

Already in March of this year, the Pope visited another Muslim country - Morocco. In addition to meeting with King Mohammed VI, Francis visited the Institute, which trains female and male Islamic preachers, and met with migrants who arrived in Morocco from countries in Tropical Africa.

From a historical perspective, such a revitalization in 2019 looks particularly symbolic. The fact is that exactly 800 years ago, in 1219, a meeting was held between the founder of the Franciscan Order Francis of Assisi and the Sultan of Egypt from the dynasty of Ayubid al-Malik al-Kamil. For medieval times, such a meeting can be called unique. Islamic civilization was at the peak of its development, but due to the numerous crusades felt pressure from Europe. Speaking in modern language against the background of civilizational conflict, the Islamic Sultan and the Christian monk found an opportunity for an open dialogue.

Similarly, in today's turbulent times, the search for understanding between the world's leading religions is of great importance. Contrary to the predictions of some political scientists about the next impending clash of civilizations of the world, modern spiritual leaders show by their example that the confrontation is not between religions, but between ignorance and faith.

As the Executive Secretary of the International Muslim Forum, Damir Mukhetdinov, who commented on the monstrous terrorist attack in the mosques of New Zealand, recently noted, “new barbarians, hiding behind the legacy of the European tradition, seek to justify the killings with some political considerations and explicitly declare their desire to launch a cycle of violence in order to cause instability in the region and around the world... But the main differences between people are not located where neo-Nazis would like to see them. In fact, differences do not exist between nationalities, races, and religious groups, but between murderers who extol violence and people free from the worship of idol cruelty, aggression and malice".

The Muslim International Forum fully supports the initiative of the Head of the Roman Catholic Church in fostering an interfaith dialogue between Catholics and Muslims. Moreover, in our opinion, today it is important to build a dialogue not only between representatives of different religions, but also between people of any ideological and political teachings. Therefore, in its activities the Muslim International Forum will make every effort in this direction.

MIF