Harmony, Peace & Universal Values: Buddhism & Islamic Perspective

22 Nov 2008

By Hawazi Daipi

Tuan Haji Abu Bakar Maidin, President of Jamiyah Singapore

His Excellency Mr. Zuhair Al Idrisi, from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Royal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Prof Dr, Hamid Bin Ahmad Al Rifaie, President of International Islamic Forum for Dialogue, Saudi Arabia

Mr. Lee Bock Guan, President of the Singapore Buddhist Lodge

Venerable Buddhist monks from Singapore and neighbouring countries

Distinguished guests

Ladies and Gentlemen

Introduction

1. Assalamualaikum Wr Wb and Good morning every one!

2. First and foremost I would like to commend Jamiyah Singapore and Singapore Buddhist Lodge for their joint initiative in organising this seminar in co-operation with the International Islamic Forum for Dialogue, Saudi Arabia, here in Jamiyah Singapore. This two-day seminar brings people of different religious beliefs and countries together to discuss the issue of harmony, peace and universal values from the perspective of two major faiths practised in the world today, Buddhism & Islam.

Peace and Religious Harmony

3. Never before in history have we felt a more pressing need for peace and harmony in the world. The present situation in many parts of the world pertaining to religious tolerance seems to be one of tension, mistrust and fear. In some countries it has never improved for the better but is instead worsening due to events and issues that arise. Issues, such as places of worship and cultural practices of communities and groups, are erupting as major issues affecting peace and good-will among people. These issues are causing the loss of lives and damage to properties and valuable historical monuments, in the process causing severe strains in relationships, confidence and trust among communities, groups and individuals.

Commonalities in Islamic and Buddhist teachings

4. The Quranic concept of peace has several levels, namely, peace with oneself, peace with the members of the family, peace with the members of the society, peace with the members of the world community and peace with the rest of the created world. In general, mankind has been asked not to partake in any action which disturbs the overall peace and harmony of society. There is no denying the fact that one needs a philosophy of living that ensures peace with others.

5. Islam forbids its followers from defaming the beliefs and faiths of other religions. The Holy Quran proclaims in Surah 6 Verse 108 “And insult not on those whom they worship besides Allah, lest they insult Allah wrongfully without knowledge.”

6. Buddhism is a way of life. According to the Buddhist analysis of human situations, although problems may have local, regional or global dimensions, they are fundamentally and basically human problems. Compassion is the hallmark of Buddhism. The doctrines of Buddhism emphasise the need to help all human beings. We can see Buddhist organisations in Singapore putting this into practice by having kind thoughts and performing kind actions through actively supporting various types of charity and welfare work, not only for the needy among the followers of their faith but also for every one in need, regardless of race or faith.  These ideologies and practices are concurrent with those of Islam. In fact if we analyse them, we would realize that there is more convergence of ideas and thoughts in religions than divergence.

Conclusion

7. Peace and harmony in human society are possible when different faiths show mutual respect and work together for the common good of humanity. If leaders of different religions visit various places of worship, participate in festivals of each other and do not misrepresent other faiths, the effect of these acts will leave a salutary impression on their followers. This will drive home the message that spiritual experiences are universal even if the path chosen may differ.

8. There should also be greater love and compassion founded on human feelings regardless of race, language or religion. Poverty, illiteracy, hunger, and backwardness are colour blind. They can be the cause of resentment between religions or on the contrary be good reasons for common endeavours. Universal values which are present within all religions are a positive conduit for dialogue. Different peoples may have different emphases with regards to these universal values but they remain the basis of wholesome civilisation. It is when we deviate from the universal values that we become parochial or communalistic, which all religions deride.

9. Daily interactions as neighbours, schoolmates and working colleagues among people of different ethnic and religious backgrounds make for better understanding, enhance tolerance and build acceptance in each other. In Singapore, this has been a formula of our racial and religious harmony.  But we should always find new ways to strengthen further the cohesion among people of our multi-racial and multi-religious society.  I am sure this is equally relevant to all other non-homogeneous societies. Apart from promoting inter-faith dialogues, wider and deeper interactions among people of different cultural and religious backgrounds, are critical if we are to achieve harmonious relationship.

Ending thoughts

10. I would like to urge the organisers of this Seminar, namely, Jamiyah Singapore, the Singapore Buddhist Lodge and the International Forum for Dialogue, to keep up with the good work they have been doing thus far. I suggest that the organisers deliberate further in charting concrete plans as follow up actions emerging from the consensus arrived at this seminar.

11. Congratulations once again to Jamiyah Singapore, the Singapore Buddhist Lodge and the International Islamic Forum for Dialogue for coming together in this noble endeavour.

12. To all participants, may I wish you a fruitful discussion. This seminar is testimony to the fact that religious tolerance and peace can be a reality and is not a myth.

13. Thank you very much.