COLOMBO : This week marks a significant occasion—the birth anniversary of the last of the prophets, Mohammad Mustafa (peace be upon him). To all our brothers and sisters, heartfelt congratulations, and a hope that we can strive to be worthy followers of the exemplary figure he represents.
One of the most pressing concerns in the Islamic world today is the division among Muslims. This unfortunate separation has created an opening for our adversaries to exploit. The consequences of these divisions are palpable in several Islamic countries, where they have been manipulated by those seeking to promote extremism, ultimately fueling Islamophobia. This starkly contrasts with the true essence of Islam, as the great Prophet of Islam stands as a messenger of morality, divine mercy, peace, and guidance for all of humanity, irrespective of their race or ethnicity.
Imam Khomeini (peace be upon him), the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran, recognized the paramount importance of unity among Muslims. To promote greater unity among different Islamic sects, he designated a week coinciding with the birth of the Prophet as the “Week of Unity.” This occasion presents a valuable opportunity for dialogue and reconciliation, addressing the few differences that have been amplified by the enemies of Islam. Moreover, this dialogue should not be confined to intra-religious discourse but should extend to interfaith conversations.
Sri Lankan Muslims, as a minority, have set an inspiring example by demonstrating significant interaction and coexistence with followers of other religions, serving as admirable representatives of Islam in Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, in Iran, where Muslims constitute the majority of the population, they have lived harmoniously alongside various religious minorities, including Christians, Zoroastrians, Jews, and others, regardless of their religious beliefs or ethnic backgrounds. Iran and Sri Lanka can indeed be regarded as successful models of peaceful coexistence among different faiths.
Today, the Islamic world needs dialogue, the exchange of ideas, active participation, and a focus on commonalities more than ever before. Extremist and terrorist groups such have emerged due to the exploitation of these divisions by our adversaries. We must not allow the enemies of Islam to manipulate our differences and set Muslims against each other.
It is important to note that both Iran and Sri Lanka have suffered from terrorism committed by individuals who have falsely invoked religion and God to justify their crimes, tarnishing the noble image of Islam. Nevertheless, together, we can all serve as ambassadors of true Islam, highlighting its kind, gentle, and peaceful nature to the world.
The Holy Quran, an eternal miracle revealed to the esteemed Prophet of Islam, is not exclusive to Muslims but is a gift for all of humanity. Any attempt to disrespect this sacred book, under any pretext, including the banner of freedom of expression, is an affront to the inherent dignity of human beings. It is the responsibility of all nations, both Muslims and non-Muslims, to uphold human dignity and the greatness of humanity by opposing any sinister conspiracy aimed at insulting this holy book.
