Daryan Calls for Muslim, Christian Unity against 'Dark Forces'

Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif Daryan called on Muslims and Christians to confront a common enemy that is committing atrocities against nations and religious beliefs under the name of Islam.

“Coexistence between Muslims and Christians calls for equality in rights and duties without any discrimination,” Daryan said in his a speech at a two-day international conference in Cairo on fighting extremism.

He stressed the importance of “respecting religious beliefs in diverse communities.”

Daryan considered that Lebanon represents a unique model “in openness, variety of its sects and coexistence between Muslims and Christians.”

“The dark forces are trying to thwart our coexistence in Lebanon,” the Sheikh added, describing them as “intruder powers that are rebelling against our principles.”

More than 700 Islamic and Christian scholars from 120 states participated in al-Azhar’s Cairo International Conference on Countering Extremism.

Beirut Maronite Bishop Boulos Matar told participants that the Christian “presence at the conference indicates that our existence in the region is genuine.”

For his part, Shiite Allama Sayyed Ali Fadlallah stressed that the Middle East will not be better “unless nations reject all terrorism against humanity.”

He warned of attempts to exclude others, calling for a moderate Islam that is open to others and rejects intolerance.

“We should fortify dialogue on all levels,” Fadlallah said, addressing the conferees.

H.K.

G.K.