Interfaith scholarly dialogue key to promoting peace: Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri

MQI leader Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri has said the culture of interfaith dialogue will have to be promoted to put the world back on the path of peace. He expressed his pleasure on the successful conduct of the two-day conference on religion, science and reason hosted by Minhaj University Lahore that drew top-level scholarship on religions from different parts of the world.

Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri said the perspective of every religion about peace, and brotherhood should be brought forward and shared with others in order to eradicate extremism and establish sustainable peace in the world. He said dialogue at every level is at the heart of mutual understanding.

Dr Qadri said MQI has been playing the role of a bridge to strengthen scholarly and intellectual linkages between the East and West. He said the purpose of these efforts is to promote a culture of mutual respect and understanding between different faiths and address the misperceptions between them. He said one of the reasons behind the spread of violence and hatred is the self-styled interpretation of religious teachings, adding that getting rid of outdated and exploitative thinking is essential for a peaceful co-existence of humanity.

MQI leader further stated that dialogue and signing of the written agreements is the practice of the Holy Prophet (SAW). He (SAW) preferred dialogue and negotiation for the spread of Islam, adding that Madina pact and Sulah Hudaibiya are the shining examples of this approach.

Dr Qadri congratulated the management of MUL on holding several scholarly moots on the subjects of science and religion and instructed them to continue this tradition of holding similar conferences for the promotion of interfaith dialogue.