In a bid to promote the values of coexistence, religious tolerance, and forgiveness inherent in Islamic teachings, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance in Saudi Arabia organized a significant symposium titled “Demonstrating the Samahah of Islam and its Role in Promoting Coexistence and Social Peace” in Kathmandu, Nepal. The event, held in collaboration with the religious attache of the Saudi Embassy in India, drew the participation of over 170 representatives from various Islamic associations and organizations.
Concept of Samahah in Islam
Central to the symposium’s agenda was the concept of “Samahah,” which translates to tolerance or forgiveness in Arabic. Samahah is deeply rooted in Islamic teachings, emphasizing forgiveness, compassion, and understanding as essential virtues for Muslims. The symposium sought to shed light on how these values could play a pivotal role in fostering coexistence and social peace, both within the Islamic community and in the broader global context.
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Warm Welcome from Nepal’s Muslim Commission
The event commenced with a warm welcome from Samim Miya Ansari, the president of the Muslim Commission in Nepal. Ansari’s opening address set the tone for the symposium, highlighting the importance of dialogue and cooperation among different faiths and cultures in Nepal. He stressed that understanding and embracing the concept of Samahah could contribute significantly to the peaceful coexistence of diverse religious communities in the country.
Saudi Arabia’s Commitment to Moderate Islam
Dr. Awwad bin Sabti Al-Anzi, the undersecretary of Islamic affairs at the Kingdom’s ministry, served as the guest speaker for the symposium. In his address, Al-Anzi underscored Saudi Arabia’s unwavering commitment to moderate Islam and global peace. He emphasized that the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has been dedicated to preventing injustice, aggression, and terrorism.
Al-Anzi went on to describe Saudi Arabia as a role model for the practice of Islam, showcasing how the Kingdom’s interpretation of Islamic values aligns with the principles of coexistence, tolerance, and forgiveness. He noted that Saudi Arabia has been working diligently to project Islam as a religion of peace, devoid of extremism or violence.
Promoting Coexistence and Religious Tolerance
Ganesh Prasad, the speaker of the Nepalese National Assembly, also addressed the symposium, expressing gratitude to Saudi Arabia for its efforts in promoting coexistence and religious tolerance. He reiterated the importance of these values not only in Nepal but across the globe. Prasad highlighted how religious diversity is a hallmark of Nepal’s society and how peaceful coexistence among various faiths is essential for the nation’s harmony and progress.
Global Significance of the Symposium
The symposium in Kathmandu serves as a powerful testament to the global significance of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to moderate Islam and its role in promoting coexistence and social peace. By bringing together representatives from diverse Islamic associations and organizations, the event exemplifies the shared responsibility of the international Muslim community in fostering understanding and tolerance.
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The symposium on “Demonstrating the Samahah of Islam and its Role in Promoting Coexistence and Social Peace” in Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, stands as a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s dedication to moderate Islam and global peace. Through the exploration of the concept of Samahah, the event showcased the importance of tolerance, forgiveness, and coexistence in Islamic teachings. It also emphasized the need for these values in today’s world, where religious diversity and peaceful coexistence are paramount. As Saudi Arabia continues to champion these principles, the hope is that they will resonate not only within the Muslim community but also among nations and cultures worldwide, fostering a more harmonious and inclusive global society.