June 5, 2008

Muslim interfaith conference in Mecca


by David Masters

Over 500 Muslims from around the world have gathered in Mecca this week in an attempt to build better relations between the people of Islam and other faiths.

The three day conference being held in Islam’s holy city was opened yesterday in Al-Safah Palace by King Abdullah, the monarch of Saudi Arabia.

In his opening speech, King Abdullah stressed the need for better communication and understanding between the three monotheistic faiths, Islam, Judaism, and Christianity.

He also spoke about how extremists mar Islam’s image, urging moderate Muslims to live out the tolerance of Islam, and pointing out that Islam is a religion of dialogue and persuasion.

King Abdullah’s message was particularly targeted at the two main sects in Islam, Sunni and Shi’ite.

Relationships between these groups has been strained in recent years – just days before the conference Sunni clerics in Saudi Arabia denounced all Shi’ite’s as ‘infidels’.

Despite the conference being billed as an ‘interfaith’ event, it is strictly off-limits to non-Muslims due to its location in Islam’s holy city.

The practising of religions other than Islam in Saudi Arabia is forbidden.

Scholars at the event, however, will be discussions proposals for new Islamic principles on interfaith dialogue.

This follows a precedent set by King Abdullah, who recently met with Pope Benedict, and has proposed plans to host a meeting between leaders from the three Abrahamic faiths.

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