The Dalai Lama

On closing the World Parliament of Religions on the 9th of December after 6 full days of deliberation, discussion and celebration, The Dalai Lama challenged the participants to put what they had discussed to action. In order for love and compassion to become a reality, he said that there would need to be a new type of 'secularism' - not a secularism that denies the importance of religion but one which respects the practitioners of all religions and of none.

'Beliefs may differ, but the core practices of love and compassion are common in all traditions' he concluded.

The Dalai Lama's comments put an end to a highly successful gathering where the theme was on coming together despite differences to show unity in common challenges.

This was my first time to see the man up front. There is a certain public persona that is built up around public people like him, but when you see him in person, you realise that this is a man of extreme humility, love and surprisingly humour. With his perceived innocence and ability to crack a joke, the man was able to win the hearts of all in the audience.

Amjad Saleem

Music as a source of inspiration

I have always been a fan of Zain Bhikha. His music is very soothing and inspirational. The best thing though is his humility and down to earth attitude. He is probably one of the Muslim world's biggest stars and icons

Yet I saw an entirely different side to him today. I saw him move an audience made up of entirely non Muslims singing (and even dancing) with him as he crooned his timeless classics mainly Muslim and South African songs. It was amazing for me to see him spread more information about Islam than any talk or conference I had been to. Some of the people I had seen moments ago being engaged in heated discussion about aspects of Islam with people outside the door, yet, this had all been forgotten .

As Zain sang songs in praise of God and His Final Prophet (Peace and Blessings be Upon Him), the audience followed suit, singing in tune with him.

At that moment, I realised that the power of music (and entertainment) such as what Zain was promoting was needed in order to break the walls of ignorance, promote dialogue and help with understanding

They just don't seem to get it

Over the last couple of days there have been a few protesters hanging around the convention centre. Their protest? Well it is not quite clear.

One group was against the concept of Islam or at least militant Islam. They had taken a misquote from the current Turkish Prime Minister in 1997 on moderate islam or the lack of it (the prime minister was arrested for this and subsequently recanted the statement before embarking in mainstream politics) and had 'intelligently' printed out posters that had been used by the UDC in Switzerland in their campaign to stop the building of mosque minarets. So they were walking around the convention centre waving posters showing muslim women in black niqabs overseeing the land of switzerland, painted with minarets in the shape of missiles. So you go up to the individual and try and engage him in conversation. Obviously the reason he is doing this is to spark some sort of response. You would think that right? Here's the thing, it hasn't been thought out very well since the moment that you try and engage in some polite conversation like 'so what are you protesting about?'or 'what do you know about islam?' , there is suddenly an air of resistance and confrontation. 'Well Islam is a fundamentalist religion and we have to expose this' comes the reply. The aptitude for dialogue and understanding suddenly thins out and when you ask 'what do you think this conference is about?', you are met with blank stares.

This was the same reaction I got when I approached a group of people protesting outside the conference centre about how 'Religion had failed and the only answer was with Salvation through Jesus Christ' or the group that was protesting 'how religion had failed and atheism was the only way' or the group that was trying to sell Bhagvad Gitas as Hinduism was the only way. You ask them all 'why do you think this conference is taking place?' and you are met with the same clueless expressions. Obviously they have come with a preconceived notion of what the parliament is about.

in fact another blog mentioned how in a similar conference in Johannesburg, two groups that were protesting ended up speaking together. So what they were protesting about and against, ended up bringing them together.

They dont seem to get the parliament. it is not about propagation of one's own faith and encouraging people to convert, but it is about enhancing one's understanding as well as improving your perceptions.

if these people had actually spent more time trying to attend the sessions than try and convince people of how bad the session was, they would have come to the conclusion that this type of conversation is in demand.

Amjad Saleem

Some Uncomfortable Realities

I guess it was bound to happen at some point during the parliament. Someone brought up the issue of Gaza and the issue of Israel vs Palestine in a panel discussion today and some of the jewish members of the audience took exception to what the gentleman said. It also didn't help that the gentleman who made the comments was a Muslim thereby adding fuel to a tense situation.

I guess in an event such as this, contentious issues will need to be developed, but the question is how can we talk about understanding each other's religions and spiritual viewpoints whilst negotiating the tricky contentious issues that people have?

So far no one has really discussed it or perhaps has wanted to discuss it. However, Anwar Ibrahim during a dinner to local Muslim leaders in Melbourne on the 4th of November was eloquent when he said that the success of the parliament would not be only judged by people coming together to celebrate views of commonality, but would be in the ability to intelligently and intellectually discuss contentious issues on a mature level whilst agreeing to disagree. This ability to discuss issues of difference, accept that difference and still move on, is tantamount to a mature attitude towards respect and understanding.

There are many issues that will fall into this category of contentious issues, whether it is political like the Israel / Palestine conflict or theological like the Sunni / Shi'a difference or the persecution of baha'is in Iran or any other issue such as the attitude of religions to sexuality discussions or the role of women. Whatever the case may be, it is imperative that the parliament allows for a free and frank discussion on these topics so that better understanding is obtained.

often it will be the case that consensus will not be arrived at, however it is also good to agree to disagree and then to work on the common issues in the hope of arriving to a consensus regarding disagreements.

Whilst the discussion on the Gaza issue in the end fizzled out with both sides having a coffee and agreeing to disagree, it does highlight the need to have these types of discussions in an attempt to shed greater light on contentious issues. The hope is to not to come to an agreement or resolution of the issue but more to understand each other's position

Amjad Saleem

The Feast

Well the parliament is truly underway and the colours, clothes and the variety of religious practices are truly an appetizing morsel for one starved of spiritual enlightenment.

Despite whatever faith one belongs to, being able to listen to some of these global spiritual leaders in whatever panel discussions they have been involved in has been for me akin to attending a banquet of some of the most richest foods. From this, I have taken concepts of meditation, diet, patience, non violence and how to truly understand the other person.

What has been refreshing has been to sit down and engage openly with people of different faiths in an attempt to find out more about our ignorance of each other. This has been one of the highlights of the event so far.

There are many questions people have of Islam for example which people have been coming to me about and some of them are genuinely due to a lack of knowledge. Hence it has been good to be able to sit down with them and talk to them about some of their fears.

Walking within the conference halls, it is not surprising to bump into Dr Hans Kung, Anwar Ibrhaim, Shri Ravi Shankar or a native American leader. These chance meetings and 5 minute conversations definitely make up for the time and cost of coming all the way to Melbourne.

Amjad Saleem

Setting the agenda for cooperation

The scene was as touching as it was poignant. A Jewish rabbi running across nearly half of the room to embrace his imam friend as they met for the first time in 5 years. Oh the fact I regeretted not having my camera to witness such a kodak moment.

For the first time, I understood the power of the parliament. Here was truly an opportunity to embrace one another and truly forge relationships with each other across the great differences that exist between us. So you had priests and others attending the Friday congregational prayers whilst you had ladies in Hijaab and Imams attending programs presented by Jains and Native Americans. All in this spirit of cooperation

Shri Ravi Shankar in the opening plenary said that we can not negate the other person just because he/she is different to us. We need to be able to embrace and learn from each other. This is perhaps the greatest power of the parliament. Perceptions can be remoulded and stereotypes can be broken.

The film 'New Muslim Cool' can explore how a Latino American musician can convert to Islam and face the numerous personal and societal challenges on this journey or 'Not in God's Name' can show you the journey of the Dalai Lama. All of these stories, equally poignant and relevant and needed to reaffirm that we are on the ame journey, perhaps in different vehicles travelling at different speeds.

Of course, there is an element of cynicism that often goes with events like this. Katherine Marshall eloquently talks about such a cynicism that arises from gatherings of this nature. However in the space of watching that rabbi and that imam embrace each other, there is perhaps the hope that the parliament can move beyond the notion of tolerance to respect, understanding, and friendship.

Of course in doing this, the parliament will have to work towards the tasks of preventing conflict by anticipating it and addressing root causes, negotiating peace, and helping to build peaceful societies in the aftermath of conflict. This means that at some point contentious issues within and between religions will have to be tackled as Anwar Ibrahim eloquently put it in a dinner the other night. We may not agree with points of view that are put across, but we should be able to discuss it in an atmosphere of openness and humility with a view to agree to disagree. This is perhaps the key feature to take across. Whether it is the issue of Israel / Palestine; freedom of religious expression in some parts of the Muslim world; the rights of the traditional native people in Australia / America / Canada that have been eroded or negated with the excuse of democratic plurality (I met a Native American who told me about some of the issues found on the reservations) or what is needed for a greater push towards eradicating poverty and ending world hunger

If the traditional religious interfaith traditions can lead to this spirit of agreement and disagreement,then I think cynics aside, great strides would have been made. Yet much more needs to be done. The people who have come to this parliament will need to carry the message forward to others and more importantly engage new members into this new movement to be part of the change to make the world a better place.

Amjad Saleem

Arrival Melbourne

Well I am finally down in Melbourne.

After about 24 hours of travelling (I think I lost a day somewhere), I touched down in Sunny Melbourne. With a great 21 degrees, it makes a change from the 3 degrees and rain that I had left in London.

If you have ever watched the TV program border security (about Australia's immigration and customs) you would not be surprised if I told you that I was slightly apprehensive when I first landed. Rightly so. I think this is one of the most stringent countries in terms of entering. They make you walk in between two white lines (reminds me of the test that police officers ask you to do if they suspect you have been drinking and driving) and then they get the dogs to sniff you. Of course, if you are like me and have spilt food over your clothes, inevitably the dog gets curious and you are 'taken aside' for questioning. Welcome to Australia!!!

It isn't bad though. It is their rules and regulations which you need to respect. I mean if you have ever watched the program, you would know about the scams that people pull to try and get into the country.

Someone once told me that Australia is just like the UK except that it is sunny. I am not so sure about that. Firstly, Australia is definitely much bigger than the UK. There is space here that you can see for miles and miles and the houses are definitely not crammed together. The suburbs remind me more of what you would see in the US and people are definitely more friendlier and chirpier (although it may be because the weather is so much more nicer). The only main issue is trying to overcome the 11 hour time difference with London, and trying to ensure your sleeping patterns are not messed up. My remedy for this is not to sleep immediately one lands, but to actually try and stay awake and ‘force’ your body to readjust to the time conditions in the new country even though it may be telling you that it needs to sleep based on UK time. Perhaps not the most healthy of approaches, but it kind of works. Except when you finally get to bed, you are either really shattered or you can’t really fall asleep. What makes matters worse is the phone calls that come in at 1 or 2 in the morning from people back home trying to reach you for something.

The problem sometimes with trips like this, is that you come in for work or a conference, end up spending most of your time at the conference or commuting from your residence to the conference hall, so you don’t really get to see the country or the city. So considering I had a day to kill, I explored Melbourne

Melbourne as a city is very interesting. It is a cross between London (especially when you take the river banks and cafes alongside), Singapore (with the high rise buildings and clean streets) and San Fancisco / New Orleans (with the trams running within the city).

The advantage though is that the city centre is relatively small so there is a possibility to walk all around it.

Close to the convention centre (where the conference is going to be held), you can see signs of preparing for the conference. The last minute touches are being made before the official opening on 3^rd December. With 3000 delegates from across the world, it is no doubt going to be an interesting occasion.

One of the focus of the conference this year will be special programs entitled the Islam 101 series, looking at correcting some of the negative perceptions about Islam and Muslims (from those outside of the Muslim community and within the Muslim community). Looking at what has recently happened in Switzerland, now more than ever is there a need to start a process of reaching out, listening, communicating and understanding in the hope that there can be some acceptance.

This is perhaps not the place to fully discuss the repercussions on both sides of the Swiss vote, but it is perhaps an occasion to explore the need for developing greater understanding, respect and acceptance. This has to be a two way process with a compromise being reached.

Fear and rejection is fuelled by ignorance and misperceptions. It is up to everyone to ensure that they play a part in dissuading these fears. There is a fear that Islam is not compatible with the western civilization and values. This is a fear that has also been fuelled by the actions and statements of people within the Muslim community as well. What is needed is there to be an open mind from all sides when discussing some of the core issues at the heart of this fear and rejection. One issue of course, is the feeling that Muslims can not become citizens of the west, they can not integrate. I think this is a misnomer. They are not only integrating but are contributing, living their daily lives as full fledged citizens of a multi cultural and pluralistic world. There are key issues that concern them as does everyone else such as education, health care, unemployment etc. These are issues that need to be addressed separately to other things. Of course, as new immigrants come into countries, there is a need by the Muslim community to talk within themselves and to contextualize responses to problems.

The first step though is the need for an open and frank discussion not fed by any agenda. Perhaps this parliament will offer the first steps in this direction.

Amjad Mohamed Saleem

Countdown to Melbourne

by Amjad Mohamed-Saleem

After months of speculating and preparing the countdown has begun to Melbourne 2009: The Parliament of Religion. To be honest I am not sure what to expect. The parliament started off in 1893 as an opportunity to bring together the world’s religious and spiritual leaders to a gathering where peace, diversity and sustainability are discussed and explored in the context of interreligious understanding and cooperation. Since then there have only been 3 (1993, 1999, 2004) parliaments held. The theme though is overriding. In the time of great strife, no more than ever, is the need for us to unite together in a spirit of respect, acceptance, understanding and cooperation.

To the cynics (and there are many when it comes to anything slightly religious and spiritual related) it might just be seen as a big talk shop with airy fairy words of togetherness and celebration that skirts around some of the burning issues that are at the heart of inter religious conflicts and discussions. Certainly the cost of the logistics of such an operation can raise people’s eyebrows. ‘why are you spending so much to fly halfway across the world to Australia to discuss interfaith?’ well there will be cynics no matter the case. To the ardent supporters, it is an opportunity to enhance and promote social cohesion amongst and within communities across the world. It will be an opportunity to learn (and in some cases un-learn) things about people who are different to us. It is an opportunity to send a collective message to the rest of the world that people of faith (and no faith) can co-exist and work for the betterment of the world, despite all that is said contrary to this.

I am of course nervous, since after just applying to do one presentation at the conference, i now find myself on 4 panel discussions. Two on subjects that are close to my heart and experience which is the role of inter religious partnerships in addressing development challenges, whilst two are about dealing with the roles of Muslims in the world, two topics that I can only speak from the heart and not as a scholar and academic, although I will be sharing the platform with scholars. More than anything i am looking forward to meeting all the different people who are going to be there and in particular learning about new traditional spiritual teachings (from different parts of the world)

I am not looking forward to the 24 hour flight from London to Melbourne!!!

Until Melbourne, God bless

Amjad Saleem