Muslim leaders address Synod

CWN - October 14, 2010

Setting a new precedent at the Vatican, two Muslim leaders addressed the Synod of Bishops on October 14.

Representing the two main strands of Islam, the Sunni scholar Mohammad al Sammak of Lebanon and the Iranian Shi’ite Sayyed Mohaghegh Ahmadabadi spoke in favor of religious freedom, with both Muslim leaders claiming that the Qu’ran affirms the rights of non-Muslims to practice their faith. They also agreed that religious beliefs should not be used as a pretext for political violence.

Tolerance is even more necessary today, when people of different faiths and cultures live together, Ahmadabadi argued. He said that it is important to distinguish between religious conflicts and political rivalries between people of different faiths.

Additional sources for this story
Some links will take you to other sites, in a new window.

An appeal from our founder, Dr. Jeffrey Mirus:

Dear reader: If you found the information on this page helpful in your pursuit of a better Catholic life, please support our work with a donation. Your donation will help us reach five million Truth-seeking readers worldwide this year. Thank you!

Easter Campaign:
Progress toward our Spring 2013 goal ($33,071 to go):
$80,000.00 $46,928.77
41% 59%
Sound Off! CatholicCulture.org supporters weigh in.

All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!

Show 2 Comments? (Hidden)Hide Comments
  • Posted by: Justin8110 - Oct. 14, 2010 10:17 PM ET USA

    Tolerance today often descends into relativism in a sort of "what's right for you isn't right for me" mentality.We have to be careful here. Islam has traditionally allowed for others to practice their religions but historically it has only been "people of the Book" and they still paid taxes and were treated as second class citizens. A few 21st century scholars representing the moderate to liberal wing of their respective schools isn't going to change history and tradition.

  • Posted by: miasarx - Oct. 14, 2010 7:02 PM ET USA

    The Qur'an affirms the right for non-Muslims to practice their faith as long as they are dhimmis and feel "subdued" and humiliated. How are Christians treated in Egypt? Iraq? Pakistan? Saudi Arabia? Someplaces even in Indonesia? Give me a break.

Catholic World News Email Newsletter
Donate to Support this Site: Your contribution will be put to good work.
Tour the CatholicCulture.org Site
Shop Amazon to Raise Money for Catholic Culture

Recent Catholic Commentary

Learning from the sick, and from the death of a child May 17
The case for change in Irish abortion law: based on a framework of falsehood May 17
The Smell of the Sheep May 16
Too many missing funds: Catholic institutions need tighter financial controls May 16
What capitalists should learn from the Pope's critique May 16

Top Catholic News

Most Important Stories of the Last 30 Days
Pope strongly supports call for reform in religious life CWN - May 8