All Comments (100)

What a wonderful observation: "I have watched the world oscillate between promise and disappointment. In many cases, the disappointments can be attributed to the absence of a culture of tolerance."

This is life and living in a nutshell, no matter what your religion or lack thereof. Many times our own lives oscillate between promise and disappointment, and none of us are the person we were at 12, 25, 50, etc. Our experiences inform our thinking, and therefore our actions. Some people become more tolerant of other people and different ideas with experience, and some become less. Being religious or having faith in God doesn't come with instant understanding of others or tolerance (also called Love)for others. I'm not talking about tolerance for acts of cruelty or brutality either, so don't misinterpret.

Based on the postings I have read on "Muslims Speak Out", these writers are truly trying to explain their views based on their beliefs and experiences. So let them! Read what they have to say, make it part of your understanding and experience, and stop wasting your efforts on tirades. To again quote the Aga Khan, "Instead of shouting at one another, we must listen to one another -- and learn from one another." Learn something every time you read one of these essays, even if you don't agree with them.

Mankind's history is filled with strife, and every people, culture, religion and nation (you name it) has had a role. Even the most peaceful and non-aggressive groups (Mennonites, Amish, Quakers, maybe?) "cause" strife for someone else just by existing. Ask any Amish farmer who gets cursed at because their buggy doesn't go fast enough for the driver behind them.

These Muslims and the other writers, like Jimmy Carter, are taking a lot of time and thought to help us learn and move beyond where we were. I can't imagine how carefully they try to explain their views so people can understand. Talk about opening yourself to criticism! You don't have to agree, but it might behoove you to listen. Are you going to be part of the "promise" or are you the "disappointment" the Aga Khan is writing about?

Every time I read one of these essays, or look at one of the Post's "On Being" videos, it stretches my understanding. I may not always agree with the thoughts that are presented, but I know I want to be part of the positive "promise" for the future.

A clash of ignorance can set the world afire but a confluence of open-mindedness can set it right. As the Agha Khan has observed, defining ourselves by who we are against is corrosive on the soul but the impulse to find common ground is more powerful and eternal. Those who judge Islam by the acts of extremists are hurting only themselves. But we can also learn from them not to judge adherents of other faiths by the acts of the few extremists among them. Hope must always trump fear and knowledge, ignorance.

Great thoughts, Great interpretation of the Holy Quran Ayat and Great analysis by a Great thinker, leader and role model of our time.
Very impressive.

World would be a better place if there were more people like The Aga Khan.

bravo for the lovely post
YOUR ROYAL HIGHNESS wishing you GOLDEN JUBILEE AND inshallah DIAMOND JUBILEE and PLATINUM JUBILEE you are a "KING of the ISLAMIC WORLD"

His Highness the Aga Khan, as Imam of the Shia 15 million Imami Ismaili Muslims, has always inspired the youth, intellectual and thinkers in the Muslim world, be they his followers or not, through 'actions' ranging from addressing issues of poverty, powerlessness, equality and social development to promoting civil society, social enterprises, protecting the built environment and creating disaster resilient communities. He is a true Leader-Imam and a representative of the intellectual and liberating values of Islam in this globalized world.

His Highness and his community has created an alternate social and development model based on the ethics of Islam and relevant to the needs of the time during the last 50 years. It is time to learn from these models and contextualize it through action learning methods to the broader Muslim socieites in order to revive the universal values of tolerance, humility, egalitarianism, generosity and peacefule co-existence.

While other "scholars" are fighting to gain grounds for conflicts, that would legitimize separate "identity" for the Muslim world(s), it has always been a relief reading, listening and watching the Aga Khan asking people to come closer and look for a common identity for the human race.

Can any thinking person argue against what His Highness has said? Can the thinking people of this world afford to ignore what he has said? Let us all move in the direction that His Highness has indicated and make this a better world, a world that the good Lord - Allah, God, Bhagvan or whatever other name you call Him by - had intended for His creation.

Can any thinking person argue against what His Highness has said? Can the thinking people of this world afford to ignore what he has said? Let us all move in the direction that His Highness has indicated and make this a better world, a world that the good Lord - Allah, God, Bhagvan or whatever other name you call Him by - had intended for His creation.

My apologies in advance if you do not agree with me or if my opinions cause you distress in any way. EDUCATION of the 'underlying principles' and ethics of all religions, mainly, "peace and brotherhood of all mankind" seems to be THE KEY to most serious conflicts in the world today.

It is true and unfair that in some parts of the world, people are treated badly because of their religion and ethnicity. It is also true and not right that in response to such treatment, the victims respond with hatred and violence.

Hatred breeds hatred in the never ending cycle unless BOTH parties are EDUCATED about the underlying religious principles of "peace and brotherhood of all mankind" found in all religions because both parties discussed in the above paragraph (regardless of their religion or ethnicity) are IGNORANT and are causing harm to our brothers and sisters of different religions worldwide.

Peace breeds peace, as proven by the notable Mahatma Gandhi who gained the independence for India with his non-violence and peaceful efforts. Blaming Muslims, Christians, or any other religion for the world's ills is, in my opinion, the result of ignorance of the other religion's 'underlying principles' and ethics.

Mahatma Gandhi achieved success for over a billion people of India by following his principles (religious or other, I'm not sure). Throughout his life, Gandhi remained committed to non-violence and truth even in the most extreme situations - which led India to independence and inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world.

Therefore, if one does not have the ability, time, or patience to actually read and understand any other religion's holy book such as the Bible, Koran, etc., one must exercise tolerance and non-violence before inflicting pain or accusing any other religion for ills of the world based strictly on actions of one or more individuals because that would be an action based on ignorance.

Ignorant INDIVIDUALS are prone to commit violence regardless of their religion and I don't have to point out a Muslim or a Christian because they exist across the board, across all religions. Violence breeds violence, peace breeds peace - The choice is clear. Today, educate someone of another religion about the good values and ethics of your religion so that he/she may better understand you.

Help reduce harm, pain, suffering, and anguish to our brothers and sisters of different religions worldwide by exercising restraint and tolerance as you would, in a classroom, because that is the only way to learn and be enlightened about your brothers or sisters living in different cultures, across 5 continents on this beautiful planet, bonded only by the band of brotherhood.

In fact, the differences among us ought to be the reason to connect to each other and be friends using this wonderful medium called the Internet to learn about the wonderful different religions, cultures, food, clothes, and lifestyles we lead so differently across the world. We do take a lot for granted due to erosion of the world's political stability due to lack of resources, etc. but rewind 100 years into the past and imagine how easy this would have been if we had the technology.

As stressed in the fine article above, tolerance is a religious imperative, indeed. Thank you for beginning this dialogue that hopefully will increase awareness of the need for religious tolerance so that we may hopefully rise above the blaming game and EDUCATE others about the good values and ethics we have learnt and follow thanks to our wonderful religions, and help achieve eternal peace and happiness for all of us instead of pain, agony, wars that it may eventually lead to! Isn't it worth the effort?

My apologies in advance if you do not agree with me or if my opinions cause you distress in any way. EDUCATION of the 'underlying principles' and ethics of all religions, mainly, "peace and brotherhood of all mankind" seems to be THE KEY to most serious conflicts in the world today.

It is true and unfair that in some parts of the world, people are treated badly because of their religion and ethnicity. It is also true and not right that in response to such treatment, the victims respond with hatred and violence.

Hatred breeds hatred in the never ending cycle unless BOTH parties are EDUCATED about the underlying religious principles of "peace and brotherhood of all mankind" found in all religions because both parties discussed in the above paragraph (regardless of their religion or ethnicity) are IGNORANT and are causing harm to our brothers and sisters of different religions worldwide.

Peace breeds peace, as proven by the notable Mahatma Gandhi who gained the independence for India with his non-violence and peaceful efforts. Blaming Muslims, Christians, or any other religion for the world's ills is, in my opinion, the result of ignorance of the other religion's 'underlying principles' and ethics.

Mahatma Gandhi achieved success for over a billion people of India by following his principles (religious or other, I'm not sure). Throughout his life, Gandhi remained committed to non-violence and truth even in the most extreme situations - which led India to independence and inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world.

Therefore, if one does not have the ability, time, or patience to actually read and understand any other religion's holy book such as the Bible, Koran, etc., one must exercise tolerance and non-violence before inflicting pain or accusing any other religion for ills of the world based strictly on actions of one or more individuals because that would be an action based on ignorance.

Ignorant INDIVIDUALS are prone to commit violence regardless of their religion and I don't have to point out a Muslim or a Christian because they exist across the board, across all religions. Violence breeds violence, peace breeds peace - The choice is clear. Today, educate someone of another religion about the good values and ethics of your religion so that he/she may better understand you.

Help reduce harm, pain, suffering, and anguish to our brothers and sisters of different religions worldwide by exercising restraint and tolerance as you would, in a classroom, because that is the only way to learn and be enlightened about your brothers or sisters living in different cultures, across 5 continents on this beautiful planet, bonded only by the band of brotherhood.

In fact, the differences among us ought to be the reason to connect to each other and be friends using this wonderful medium called the Internet to learn about the wonderful different religions, cultures, food, clothes, and lifestyles we lead so differently across the world. We do take a lot for granted due to erosion of the world's political stability due to lack of resources, etc. but rewind 100 years into the past and imagine how easy this would have been if we had the technology.

As stressed in the fine article above, tolerance is a religious imperative, indeed. Thank you for beginning this dialogue that hopefully will increase awareness of the need for religious tolerance so that we may hopefully rise above the blaming game and EDUCATE others about the good values and ethics we have learnt and follow thanks to our wonderful religions, and help achieve eternal peace and happiness for all of us instead of pain, agony, wars that it may eventually lead to! Isn't it worth the effort?

I am an American – And also a Muslim!

I was born in Kenya of East Indian parents. That makes me an African of Indian origin. Before I came to USA as a graduate student the only Americans I knew were missionaries. I was under the illusion that they were nice to us because they wanted to convert me, a heathen, to Christianity! I was soon disabused of the notion because the Americans not only opened their hearts but also their homes to me. The companies I worked for allowed me to travel to 25 different countries and I was never more pleased than when I heard my hosts overseas remark how American I was. I took that as a compliment.

But 9/11 changed some of that. That evening someone rang the doorbell of the townhouse I lived in just outside Portland, Oregon. The man at the door said, “Pack up your bag.” Seeing the horrified look on my face quickly added, “I want you to use the extra bedroom I have until this blows over. I do not want to worry about you.” This from a man whom I barely knew and with whom I had only exchanged tips on how to wash my car. America the Beautiful in action.

But I was a Muslim long before I became an American. My friends who become aware of that fact have been heard to exclaim, “if you are a Muslim then who are those crazies trying to kill us?’ Sadly they are Muslims too although some may be only in name. This makes me realize that I have a big job on my hand to explain to fellow Americans what being a Muslim means to me.

I am a Shia Ismaili Muslim and a follower of His Highness the Aga Khan who is the 49th Imam, the first being Ali ibn Abi Talib, the son in law of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH). Qur’an defines a Muslim as one who submits to God. Muslims in America belong to over 50 different ethnicities and nationalities and mirror the diverse face of the nation. In order to become a Muslim you have to recite the Shahada - Ash-hadu an la ilaha ill-Allah, Wa ash-hadu anna Muhammad-an rasul-Ullah, (I bear witness that there is no God but Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.) Our Imam teaches us to live by the values and ethics of Shia Muslims. Our values are values of peace, of generosity, of harmony, of philanthropy and of caring for the weakest in society.

Islam teaches us that all men (women) are created equal. When we go for prayers in a mosque, a king and a pauper stand side by side when they recite their prayers. Islam to me is a way of life and not limited to reciting the ritual prayers on Fridays.

And yet, I think that my cohorts and I are perhaps some of the most prejudiced Muslims on earth. When we go for communal prayers or meetings what we think more about is if the individual standing next to me is a Bangladeshi, an Indian, a Pakistani or a Bwana (East African), and if he is a Bwana whether he is from Kenya, Tanzania or Uganda. Although I, as a Muslim or you for that matter, may go to any mosque to recite prayers, I will not be able to invite a fellow Muslim or you to join me for prayers at my mosque. As a group we do not participate in activities organized by other Muslims nor do we invite them to participate in ours except on rare occasions.

While all that may be true I am proud to be a Muslim. My religion teaches me about the oneness of human kind, that it is my duty to engage in intellectual pursuit and that wealth build up is not a sin provided I share what is extra with those less fortunate than me. As a community, under the guidance of His Highness the Aga Khan, we have become successful business people and are excelling in other fields of endeavor. We are, by and large, law abiding citizens of this country and we are taught to owe our allegiance to the country we live in. In fact the former Prime Minister of Canada is reputed to have said that if he had ten Ismaili families in his riding (election district) he would not worry about the economy in his riding.

Our sons and daughters, born and bred in this country, to our chagrin, have grown up knowing only one culture. They are becoming proud and productive citizens of this country. Given that this is the only country where I would rather be, why can I, a Muslim, also not be an American?
Zul Devji, Atlanta, GA
I am an American – And also a Muslim!

I was born in Kenya of East Indian parents. That makes me an African of Indian origin. Before I came to USA as a graduate student the only Americans I knew were missionaries. I was under the illusion that they were nice to us because they wanted to convert me, a heathen, to Christianity! I was soon disabused of the notion because the Americans not only opened their hearts but also their homes to me. The companies I worked for allowed me to travel to 25 different countries and I was never more pleased than when I heard my hosts overseas remark how American I was. I took that as a compliment.

But 9/11 changed some of that. That evening someone rang the doorbell of the townhouse I lived in just outside Portland, Oregon. The man at the door said, “Pack up your bag.” Seeing the horrified look on my face quickly added, “I want you to use the extra bedroom I have until this blows over. I do not want to worry about you.” This from a man whom I barely knew and with whom I had only exchanged tips on how to wash my car. America the Beautiful in action.

But I was a Muslim long before I became an American. My friends who become aware of that fact have been heard to exclaim, “if you are a Muslim then who are those crazies trying to kill us?’ Sadly they are Muslims too although some may be only in name. This makes me realize that I have a big job on my hand to explain to fellow Americans what being a Muslim means to me.

I am a Shia Ismaili Muslim and a follower of His Highness the Aga Khan who is the 49th Imam, the first being Ali ibn Abi Talib, the son in law of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH). Qur’an defines a Muslim as one who submits to God. Muslims in America belong to over 50 different ethnicities and nationalities and mirror the diverse face of the nation. In order to become a Muslim you have to recite the Shahada - Ash-hadu an la ilaha ill-Allah, Wa ash-hadu anna Muhammad-an rasul-Ullah, (I bear witness that there is no God but Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.) Our Imam teaches us to live by the values and ethics of Shia Muslims. Our values are values of peace, of generosity, of harmony, of philanthropy and of caring for the weakest in society.

Islam teaches us that all men (women) are created equal. When we go for prayers in a mosque, a king and a pauper stand side by side when they recite their prayers. Islam to me is a way of life and not limited to reciting the ritual prayers on Fridays.

And yet, I think that my cohorts and I are perhaps some of the most prejudiced Muslims on earth. When we go for communal prayers or meetings what we think more about is if the individual standing next to me is a Bangladeshi, an Indian, a Pakistani or a Bwana (East African), and if he is a Bwana whether he is from Kenya, Tanzania or Uganda. Although I, as a Muslim or you for that matter, may go to any mosque to recite prayers, I will not be able to invite a fellow Muslim or you to join me for prayers at my mosque. As a group we do not participate in activities organized by other Muslims nor do we invite them to participate in ours except on rare occasions.

While all that may be true I am proud to be a Muslim. My religion teaches me about the oneness of human kind, that it is my duty to engage in intellectual pursuit and that wealth build up is not a sin provided I share what is extra with those less fortunate than me. As a community, under the guidance of His Highness the Aga Khan, we have become successful business people and are excelling in other fields of endeavor. We are, by and large, law abiding citizens of this country and we are taught to owe our allegiance to the country we live in. In fact the former Prime Minister of Canada is reputed to have said that if he had ten Ismaili families in his riding (election district) he would not worry about the economy in his riding.

Our sons and daughters, born and bred in this country, to our chagrin, have grown up knowing only one culture. They are becoming proud and productive citizens of this country. Given that this is the only country where I would rather be, why can I, a Muslim, also not be an American?

Indeed, His Highness is correct in his redefining the "clash of civilization" as actually a "clash of ignorance," and education is the first step in overcoming that ignorance. But education alone does not assure good behavior. People need to habitually act positively towards other communities, other religions, and other nations. Habitual affirmation of the other and habits of affirmative action towards others need to be inculcated. In other words, knowledge must be supported by (free) Will! The fact of the matter is well educated people choose to do evil. The promotion of voluntary service to all people is the necessary follow up to knowledge. Indeed, the AKDN, based on the guidance from His Highness, does encourage voluntary service. Once you have learnt to serve others, it is impossible to fall into the habit of hurting others. There is greater wisdom in the practice of virtue than in just the knowledge of it.

Need we read more of where we come from and who we are. The "Clash of Ignorance" is the missing piece in the puzzle. Leaders in the West must begin to recognize that its this single most critical phenomenon that they must begin to recognize and respect to bring about cross-cultural hope for the future. Armaments and hostile actions often leave scars of cultural separations and further deny the opportunity to cleanse deeply rooted counter-ideologies that conflict with the acceptance of this phenomenon.

Indeed, culture of tolerance creates society where people with various lifestyles can practice their faiths and ways of life. Is it really enough for establishing diverse and plural society? For example, in classical liberalism religious toleration presupposes in tolerating other religions not necessarily understanding or testing out another view. Tolerance assumed non-interference with another’s religious practice. This kind of conduct may lead us never knowing about and understanding the values of others whom we tolerate. It may encourage us instead of interaction create walls and make people whom we tolerate more strange. For example, nowadays in Tajikistan women historically subordinated to men and kept from larger participation in society. Since acquiring independence several laws have been passed to eliminate discrimination against women. The impact of these laws has been to require men to live and let live with women in different settings. But still there are barriers that establish agreement among men that women should not be allowed to advance. These examples illustrate destructive impact of the live-and-let-live perspective suggested by toleration between a tolerated group and a tolerating group. One of the ways to overcome this situation is to search and advance in cultural and religious settings beyond toleration the importance of people’s learning to understand, to consider the views of others who are different and to respect.

Indeed, culture of tolerance creates society where people with various lifestyles can practice their faiths and ways of life. Is it really enough for establishing diverse and plural society? For example, in classical liberalism religious toleration presupposes in tolerating other religions not necessarily understanding or testing out another view. Tolerance assumed non-interference with another’s religious practice. This kind of conduct may lead us never knowing about and understanding the values of others whom we tolerate. It may encourage us instead of interaction create walls and make people whom we tolerate more strange. For example, nowadays in Tajikistan women historically subordinated to men and kept from larger participation in society. Since acquiring independence several laws have been passed to eliminate discrimination against women. The impact of these laws has been to require men to live and let live with women in different settings. But still there are barriers that establish agreement among men that women should not be allowed to advance. These examples illustrate destructive impact of the live-and-let-live perspective suggested by toleration between a tolerated group and a tolerating group. One of the ways to overcome this situation is to search and advance in cultural and religious settings beyond toleration the importance of people’s learning to understand, to consider the views of others who are different and to respect.

Wonderful.
Would like to use this article for the “Teaching Manual” that I am currently working on, because this text can teach the students many important things like: tolerance, pluralism, respect towards the other religions. I personally learnt a lot from it and would like to share with my future students. Thank You Hazir Imam.

I am an American and I am a Muslim. I love America and I am loyal to America. I have paid over $2M in taxes in the last 8 years and I have never claimed welfare. I employ over 20 Americans legally in my small business. I also work in the high tech industry as a leader.

I am free to practice my faith in America. How can a country with such beliefs and morals be evil as considered by some in the Arab world? The Israeli - Palestanian conflict is a political conflict and not a religious conflict between Jews, Muslims and Christians. It is not up to us Muslims to fight for this conflict. We should lead by example and help the Palestanians reach peace with Israel and finally settle down as neighbors.

We must extend the hand of peace to Israel and save the remaining Palestanians from death, poverty and from further destruction of their culture.

This Arab - West conflict is preventing the Muslims from moving forward. We are missing an incredible opportunity to move forward and progress with the rest of humanity. The inhumane and barbaric acts of 911 has wiped out years of progress we had made. Shame on you and shame on us for letting that happen.

For us to gain credibility again in the international community we must change. We must embrace tolerance, peace, diversity, contemporary thinking and embrace the brotherhood of human race.

Leaders of the Muslim world owe it to Islam and humanity to set the record straight or they will pay with their souls on judgement day for the damage they are causing to Islam and humanity. The alternative is going to be far worst than contemporary movement in Islam.

Wonderful.
Would like to use this article for the “Teaching Manual” that I am currently working on, because this text can teach the students many important things like: tolerance, pluralism, respect towards the other religions. I personally learnt a lot from it and would like to share with my future students. Thank You Hazir Imam.

The 15 million Ismaili community is blessed and fortunate to have a leader in His Highness Aga Khan. The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) under his leadership has played a key role in building civil and pluralistic societies in wore torn and developing countries. I wish leaders of developed nations and Arab world unit together and have deeper understanding and interpretation of Islam and take Aga Khan point of view in its right representation, leading to peace, growth and harmony around us.

As a member of the Ismaili community, I should like to respond to remarks made by Zul Devji (of Atlanta) concerning his "cohorts" whom he considers as being prejudiced. The issue of inequality amongst different ethnic, linguistic and cultural groups crosses national and religious boundaries. The indifference shown to the Muslims in Darfur by fellow Sudanese Muslims, with the entire Arab and Muslim world keeping silent on this crisis is deeply painful and unacceptable, and is one of several examples where one might cite prejudice. The wonderful concept of an "Umma" sometimes sadly is overlooked for personal gains and interests.
Prince Karim is emphatic about the strength of diversity and pluralism within his own Jamat, and continuously exhorts them to be united and to welcome and support those who come from different national boundaries. As a resident in Ottawa, Canada, I am proud to say that the integration between members of the community from different parts of the world here has been extremely positive. My visits to other parts of Canada have proved to me that places of origination are becoming less of an issue as the notion of "One Jamat" begins to permeate individual and institutional culture. If there are problems in specific locations such as may be the case in Atlanta, then the issue has to be resolved at a local level. This is certainly not an international issue, and I strongly disagree with the generalizations put forward in Mr. Devji's comment.
Mr. Devji may also be reminded that the Ismaili community has its own traditions and practices that are specifically rooted in the Shia Ismaili interpretation of Islam. Central amongst the spiritual foundation is the acceptance of the role of an hereditary Imam. This belief is not shared by all Muslims and therefore precludes those who do not accept this central concept from being co-participants in various religious practices that are specific to the Ismaili community.
While the Ismailis remain exclusive in certain areas - and indeed many other Muslim Tariqahs are exclusive in their own ways - the Ismaili community's participation, integration and contribution in the life of the national culture and societies within which they live is something that is highly admired and envied by leaders and citizens of all Muslim and non-Muslim countries around the world.

As a member of the Ismaili community, I should like to respond to remarks made by Zul Devji (of Atlanta) concerning his "cohorts" whom he considers as being prejudiced. The issue of inequality amongst different ethnic, linguistic and cultural groups crosses national and religious boundaries. The indifference shown to the Muslims in Darfur by fellow Sudanese Muslims, with the entire Arab and Muslim world keeping silent on this crisis is deeply painful and unacceptable, and is one of several examples where one might cite prejudice. The wonderful concept of an "Umma" sometimes sadly is overlooked for personal gains and interests.

Prince Karim is emphatic about the strength of diversity and pluralism within his own Jamat, and continuously exhorts them to be united and to welcome and support those who come from different national boundaries. As a resident in Ottawa, Canada, I am proud to say that the integration between members of the community from different parts of the world here has been extremely positive. My visits to other parts of Canada have proved to me that places of origination are becoming less of an issue as the notion of "One Jamat" begins to permeate individual and institutional culture. If there are problems in specific locations such as may be the case in Atlanta, then the issue has to be resolved at a local level. This is certainly not an international issue, and I strongly disagree with the generalizations put forward in Mr. Devji's comment.

Mr. Devji may also be reminded that the Ismaili community has its own traditions and practices that are specifically rooted in the Shia Ismaili interpretation of Islam. Central amongst the spiritual foundation is the acceptance of the role of an hereditary Imam. This belief is not shared by all Muslims and therefore precludes those who do not accept this central concept from being co-participants in various religious practices that are specific to the Ismaili community.

While the Ismailis remain exclusive in certain areas - and indeed many other Muslim Tariqahs are exclusive in their own ways - the Ismaili community's participation, integration and contribution in the life of the national culture and societies within which they live is something that is highly admired and envied by leaders and citizens of all Muslim and non-Muslim countries around the world.

May Allah Reward you for this type positive thinking. I wish the entire community of Moral AND political leaders could think AND ACT RESPONSIBLY BOTH IN THEIR WORDS AND DEEDS.THE WORLD AND THE ENTIRE HUMAN COMMUNITY LACKS LEADERSHIP OF YOUR CALIBRE.I HAVE GROWN INTO A MAN KNOWING AND SEEING THE GENEROSITY OF THE AGAKHAN FOUNDATION, IN SCHOOLS, HOSPITALS, COMMUNITY CENTRES, AND MOSQUES.THATS HOW I KNOW HIM. NOT THROUGH GUNS, KILLING,STEALING EXPLOITATION, AND GREED, HE HAS ALWAYS BEEN CARING AND PASSIONATE. MAY ALLAH BLESS HIM AND HIS ENTIRE ESTABLISHMENT.

May Allah Reward you for this type positive thinking. I wish the entire community of Moral AND political leaders could think AND ACT RESPONSIBLY BOTH IN THEIR WORDS AND DEEDS.THE WORLD AND THE ENTIRE HUMAN COMMUNITY LACKS LEADERSHIP OF YOUR CALIBRE.I HAVE GROWN INTO A MAN KNOWING AND SEEING THE GENEROSITY OF THE AGAKHAN FOUNDATION, IN SCHOOLS, HOSPITALS, COMMUNITY CENTRES, AND MOSQUES.THATS HOW I KNOW HIM. NOT THROUGH GUNS, KILLING,STEALING EXPLOITATION, AND GREED, HE HAS ALWAYS BEEN CARING AND PASSIONATE. MAY ALLAH BLESS HIM AND HIS ENTIRE ESTABLISHMENT.

This article really urges us to look and think what would cost us to remain ignorant about the culture of tolerance. The crisis of the culture of tolerance is noticeable among people of different nations across the borders as well as the people of one country. What contributes to this crisis is mainly the feeling of the fear of difference.
People belonging to one country are ignorant about the cultural values of each of the ethnic groups that they live with. It is how division, fear, misunderstanding and disappointment come into existence. We quite often focus on the differences and identify ourselves as different from those who live on the other side of the border. These differences we tend to spot mistakenly in religion. If we take all the monotheistic religions into account we notice that there are common values in the message of one God through different prophets. It is only the willing of understanding of this values bring about dialogue, trust and communication between the people. Not even the across border cultural differences, but inside the border of one nation it is noticeable that prejudice is the main preference between the social classes, political parties, religious denominations etc. Prejudice increase the feeling of threat that occupied our minds and prevents us from understanding each other. Only good communication, every day interaction and dialogue with hope of common achievements can remove this threat.

This article really urges us to look and think what would cost us to remain ignorant about the culture of tolerance. The crisis of the culture of tolerance is noticeable among people of different nations across the borders as well as the people of one country. What contributes to this crisis is mainly the feeling of the fear of difference.
People belonging to one country are ignorant about the cultural values of each of the ethnic groups that they live with. It is how division, fear, misunderstanding and disappointment come into existence. We quite often focus on the differences and identify ourselves as different from those who live on the other side of the border. These differences we tend to spot mistakenly in religion. If we take all the monotheistic religions into account we notice that there are common values in the message of one God through different prophets. It is only the willing of understanding of this values bring about dialogue, trust and communication between the people. Not even the across border cultural differences, but inside the border of one nation it is noticeable that prejudice is the main preference between the social classes, political parties, religious denominations etc. Prejudice increase the feeling of threat that occupied our minds and prevents us from understanding each other. Only good communication, every day interaction and dialogue with hope of common achievements can remove this threat.

I echo the sentiments of His Highness the Aga Khan. The religion Islam is not the problem, it's the interpretation or rather misinterpretation of it in the media that causes confusion in people's minds. Indeed, Islam is based on the concept of peace and tolerance and for many of its followers, it's a way of life. One has to also remember that most Muslims belong to that silent majority who lead very ordinary lives. They power no conflict, raise no red flags, and hence are useless to the media. It's up to each one of us to start building bridges of understanding and compassion between communities in order to strengthen our societies.

After reading the Aga Khan's concise one page discourse on "Tolerance a Religious Imperative"

I can tell you this with utmost sincerity, everything I ever read after this on the subject, will just be a commentary.

Zuli K.Kassim-Lakha.

After reading the Aga Khan's concise one page discourse on "Tolerance a Religious Imperative"

I can tell you this with utmost sincerity, everything I ever read after this on the subject, will just be a commentary.

Zuli K.Kassim-Lakha.

After reading the Aga Khan's concise one page discourse on "Tolerance a Religious Imperative"

I can tell you this with utmost sincerity, everything I ever read after this on the subject, will just be a commentary.

Zuli K.Kassim-Lakha.

After reading the Aga Khan's concise one page discourse on "Tolerance a Religious Imperative"

I can tell you this with utmost sincerity, everything I ever read after this on the subject, will just be a commentary.

Zuli K.Kassim-Lakha.

His Highness the Aga Khan's personality, his vision and his leadership reveal the values which every one of us cherishes. There is an appeal for all of us, no matter what religion or faith we may have, in what He assures of us.

Leading us towards the true essence of Islam in light of the Holy Quran, His Highness has pointed out towards something that is very important to understand; that is the essential unity of all human beings.

The origin of us all is one spiritual reality. This connects us all into a powerful string of unity. Instead of all the apparent differences and diversity we may have, we are not left alone in chaos, rather each one of us makes part of the whole, we are one.

It is this imperative that we need to understand, it is this value which can be the basis of our relationships. It is this guiding principle that we need to foster in our hearts as well as in our minds.

From the most revealing and enlightening words of His Highness, there is a lesson to learn which is so urgent in the prevailing situations and that is; Let the diversity be our strength instead of the source of conflict; let our differences lead us towards our unity instead of strife. Let's be hopeful instead of being caught in clouds of fear; Let the truth and wisdom prevail instead of ignorance and suspicion. Let's submit that we have our own limitations and ignorance is our common enemy.

Let's build on our common and shared values instead of exploiting the differences. Let's expand the possibilities through our positive energies. Let's open the hearts for each other as there is nothing to be fearful about, it is just that we need to understand each other, listen to each other and co-exist in harmony.

Let's look at the future with confidence and certainty. Let's bring in light and fight the ignorance.

Let's make a difference!

Asahab Ullah Baig.

His Highness the Aga Khan's personality, his vision and his leadership reveal the values which every one of us cherishes. There is an appeal for all of us, no matter what religion or faith we may have, in what He assures of us.

Leading us towards the true essence of Islam in light of the Holy Quran, His Highness has pointed out towards something that is very important to understand; that is the essential unity of all human beings.

The origin of us all is one spiritual reality. This connects us all into a powerful string of unity. Instead of all the apparent differences and diversity we may have, we are not left alone in chaos, rather each one of us makes part of the whole, we are one.

It is this imperative that we need to understand, it is this value which can be the basis of our relationships. It is this guiding principle that we need to foster in our hearts as well as in our minds.

From the most revealing and enlightening words of His Highness, there is a lesson to learn which is so urgent in the prevailing situations and that is; Let the diversity be our strength instead of the source of conflict; let our differences lead us towards our unity instead of strife. Let's be hopeful instead of being caught in clouds of fear; Let the truth and wisdom prevail instead of ignorance and suspicion. Let's submit that we have our own limitations and ignorance is our common enemy.

Let's build on our common and shared values instead of exploiting the differences. Let's expand the possibilities through our positive energies. Let's open the hearts for each other as there is nothing to be fearful about, it is just that we need to understand each other, listen to each other and co-exist in harmony.

Let's look at the future with confidence and certainty. Let's bring in light and fight the ignorance.

Let's make a difference!

Asahab Ullah Baig.

The AGA KHANS Have Had A Checkered History Of Clarity Of Thoughts,Successful Implementation Of Ideas,Farsighted Contemporary Thinking.
Tolerance,Peace,Pluralism R The Icons Of The Present Aga Khan.
How Much I Wish The Leaders Of The World Be Lead By HIS Thinking.

The AGA KHANS Have Had A Checkered History Of Clarity Of Thoughts,Successful Implementation Of Ideas,Farsighted Contemporary Thinking.
Tolerance,Peace,Pluralism R The Icons Of The Present Aga Khan.
How Much I Wish The Leaders Of The World Be Lead By HIS Thinking.

The AGA KHANS Have Had A Checkered History Of Clarity Of Thoughts,Successful Implementation Of Ideas,Farsighted Contemporary Thinking.
Tolerance,Peace,Pluralism R The Icons Of The Present Aga Khan.
How Much I Wish The Leaders Of The World Be Lead By HIS Thinking.

The AGA KHANS Have Had A Checkered History Of Clarity Of Thoughts,Successful Implementation Of Ideas,Farsighted Contemporary Thinking.
Tolerance,Peace,Pluralism R The Icons Of The Present Aga Khan.
How Much I Wish The Leaders Of The World Be Lead By HIS Thinking.

Only one comment: Thank Allah for making me an Ismaili.

Only one comment: Thank Allah for making me an Ismaili.

In reference to Mohammed's comment we should all be grateful to Allah for whatever he has made us. Each one of us seeks to find happiness and strength through the faith that he has been blessed with.

I think we can learn a lot from the Aga Khan's statement:

"The spiritual roots of tolerance include, it seems to me, a respect for individual conscience -- seen as a gift of God -- as well as a posture of religious humility before the Divine. It is by accepting our human limits that we can come to see “the other” as a fellow seeker of truth -- and to find common ground in our common quest"

I am a American and a Catholic. The Aga Khans vision was excellant but I was surprised that he didn't address the Osama Bin Laden and the other terriost acts directly and confirmed that type of aggression and suicide bombings of innocent people is not part of the Muslim or other religions beliefs. I do believe the Muslim community should be addressing this issue directly and publicly denouncing these terriost actions and let the world know that this is against all that the Muslim faith stands for.

Barrakh, Please do forgive me if i offended you in any way. It was not my intention. You are right, the bottom line is we are all Muslims. Once again accept my apologies.

Barrakh, Please do forgive me if i offended you in any way. It was not my intention. You are right, the bottom line is we are all Muslims. Once again accept my apologies.

Mohammed, don't worry.

In response to posting by anonymous (American and Catholic) every major Muslim leader has denounced terrorism and acts of suicide bombings which result in the destruction of innocent lives. So often these condemnations don't receive due coverage. Today more than anyone else, Muslims themselves are victims of this despicable act carried out by their own "compatriots".

A very recent report by Pew Global suggests that there is decline in support for terrorism in Muslim countries and that Muslims consider these acts as unacceptable. Fatwas (edicts) have been issued by prominent Muslim organizations against suicide bombings, but as we see dozens die by the day in Iraq.

The Aga Khan's views on this subject reflect the Holy Quran's notion on the sanctity of life. I quote below from the speech he gave in Texas on June 23, 2002 in the presence of Governor Perry of Texas.

..."this is the first time I have had the opportunity to speak publicly in the United States about the events of September 11th of last year. Since then many perspectives have been articulated in many settings - diplomatic, academic, the media, and in public opinion as expressed in the streets and measured in opinion polls.

That the acts of September 11th and all that is behind them are repugnant to the very spirit of Islam and to the beliefs and yearnings of the vast majority of Muslims around the world is beyond question. In the words of the Quran it is as if the entirety of humankind had suffered a death with every life that was so brutally ended. The shared destiny of the ethos of the Abrahamic tradition that unites Christians, Jews and Muslims is governed by the duty of loving care to help nurture each life that is born to its God-given potential...."

The full speech can be read at http://akdn.org/speeches/texasb.html.

I would also recommend his interview with a leading German magazine at http://www.spiegel.de/international/spiegel/0,1518,442180,00.html

Aga Khan Texas speech link correction:

http://akdn.org/speeches/texasb.html

Excellent spelbound

Excellent spelbound

Respected brother,

I have read the message and have found it very iteresting. It has covered all the requirements of the present time.
The world is for the living people, not for the dead ones. Let it be the garden of humanity and safe heaven.

Respected brother,

I have read the message and have found it very iteresting. It has covered all the requirements of the present time.
The world is for the living people, not for the dead ones. Let it be the garden of humanity and safe heaven.

Would that all muslims spoke as well! It grieves me that in the common perception, the word "muslim" is followed by "terrorist". How have a few fanatics highjacked Islam and given it this negative image, so far from its true meaning?
His Highness is one of the few voices of moderation. In the Bible there is a similar phrase, spoken by Jesus; "In my Father's house there are many mansions...." We pray to one God, each in his way.
Of course, its also true that you rarely hear
Christian fundementalists quote this .

Would that all muslims spoke as well! It grieves me that in the common perception, the word "muslim" is followed by "terrorist". How have a few fanatics highjacked Islam and given it this negative image, so far from its true meaning?
His Highness is one of the few voices of moderation. In the Bible there is a similar phrase, spoken by Jesus; "In my Father's house there are many mansions...." We pray to one God, each in his way.
Of course, its also true that you rarely hear
Christian fundementalists quote this .

Would that all muslims spoke as well! It grieves me that in the common perception, the word "muslim" is followed by "terrorist". How have a few fanatics highjacked Islam and given it this negative image, so far from its true meaning?
His Highness is one of the few voices of moderation. In the Bible there is a similar phrase, spoken by Jesus; "In my Father's house there are many mansions...." We pray to one God, each in his way.
Of course, its also true that you rarely hear
Christian fundementalists quote this .

Would that all muslims spoke as well! It grieves me that in the common perception, the word "muslim" is followed by "terrorist". How have a few fanatics highjacked Islam and given it this negative image, so far from its true meaning?
His Highness is one of the few voices of moderation. In the Bible there is a similar phrase, spoken by Jesus; "In my Father's house there are many mansions...." We pray to one God, each in his way.
Of course, its also true that you rarely hear
Christian fundementalists quote this .

How true! What a shame that the word "muslim" is followed, in the popular perception, by the word "terrorist" How did Islam get highjacked by an intolerant minority??? In the Bible, there is a similar quote from Jesus:
"In my Father's house there are many mansions..."
We pray to one God, each in his own way.
Of course, Christian fundementalists rarely quote that phrase; it is convenient for ideologues to ignore the true meaning of religion.
Thank God for the Aga Khan's voice of moderation!