Last week, Riyadh witnessed a unique and refreshing gathering and open discussion between Japan and the Islamic world. The forum of Dialogue among Civilizations between Japan and the Islamic Word focused on the role of culture in the development of respect for religions. In an era of globalization where cultural diversity may be perceived as a source of strength and not as a cause of confrontation and division, a forum on ‘culture and the respect for religions' could not come at a better time. While speakers at the forum did address the differences in Muslims, Buddhist and Japanese religious beliefs, the focus of many presentations was the similarities of the faiths. “Religions of the world can work together to emphasize and embed morals and ethics,” said Deen Shamsidin, from Indonesia. “We share many moral values in which through dialogue based on mutual respect and understanding we can unite to emphasize these morals and values in today's world.” “Cultures and societies shouldn't totally reject other cultures just as they shouldn't totally adopt other cultures, but there should be a balance in openness and recognizing the need to reach out while maintaining their own cultures,” said Ali Al-Namlah, a Saudi writer and former labor minister. Another speaker said that all world religions believe in the same moral code but differ in their application. “In many cases, we all believe in the principle, such as freedom, but the difference lies in the model we use. In the West freedom is seen as in the freedom of speech, while in Islam it's in choosing, you are free to choose anything as along as it is not evil,” explained Mustafa Cerci, Mufti of BosniaHerzegovina. Culture plays a crucial role in creating mutual understanding among civilizations. Values and norms are embodied in our social system, and closely related to our religious beliefs and their sacred symbols. A cultural misunderstanding or negative representation of these beliefs could spark conflicts and may result in negative consequences. One can only remember the outrage Muslims expressed worldwide after the first publication of insulting cartoons of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in European newspapers two years ago. While the forum was between Japan and the Islamic world, one can only wish that a similar forum would include Europe. At a time when insulting cartoons of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) are being reprinted across Europe just to make a statement of freedom of speech with hidden intention of further hurting and angering Muslims around the world, such a forum is much needed. While we all believe in freedom, freedom should also come with respect for others and taking responsibility of what you say and how it affects others. As the world's eyes are on Islam and the Islamic world, Mustafa Cerci, Mufti of BosniaHerzegovina, stressed the need to utilize this attention to educate the world of the true meaning of Islam. “Today when you mention dialogue between religions, most people automatically think of Islam,” said Cerci. “Islam is a hot topic. We have to be ready to stand up to this challenge.” Just as there are people in the world who suffer from Islamophobia there are also people who admire and love Islam, said Cerci. “I believe that the people who love Islam are many more than those who suffer from Islamophobia.” The difference between the two is simple: People suffering from Islamophobia are those who believe that Islam is a closed religion that rejects all other cultures and religions while people who see Islam favorably see the religion to be open to other cultures and religions. The opening statements of deputy Foreign Minister, Parliamentary Secretary of Japan Osamu Onu echoed what is happening on the world stage. “With the vast changes taking place through globalization and social and economic dynamics of society, people lost the spirit of forgiveness towards others who differ in their values and beliefs,” said Onu. “Because of this we have to work together to reach our goal of enhancing respect for various cultures and religions, worldwide,” said Onu. The seminar, which was proposed by Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs Yohei Kono in 2001 during his visit to Gulf countries, was organized by the Institute of Diplomatic Studies and the Department of Islamic Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. * Suzan Zawawi is a Cross-Cultural Consultant with an MA specialized in Cross-Cultural Communication. Share your cross-cultural experience or send in your cultural questions to [email protected] __
