Ramadan in Mindanao gives Silsilah an opportunity to reflect and work together
The movement devoted to Muslim-Christian dialogue sends its greetings to Filipino Muslims on the occasion of their holy month. Its message "is inspired" by the document on Human Brotherhood signed by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Tayyeb. For the group, “Only if we put God at the centre of our lives, respecting others, can we dream of a better future in the midst of divisions and conflicts.”
Zamboanga (AsiaNews) – Ramadan began three days ago. For the occasion, the movement for dialogue Silsilah issued a statement addressed to Filipino Muslims, noting that the Islamic month of fasting and prayer represents a "great opportunity to reflect on the mercy and compassion of God for all and reaffirm the importance to work together for the common good”.
Created 35 years ago in the southern Philippines, the group is well-known for its actions promoting cultural awareness, education and sharing, with the aim of bringing Christians and Muslims together. Its founder, Fr Sebastiano D’Ambra, is a priest with the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions (PIME).
The message of greetings, which Silsilah issued yesterday, is inspired by the document on Human Brotherhood for World Peace and Living Together, signed on 4 February in Abu Dhabi by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmad Al-Tayyeb, which includes a joint Muslim-Catholic appeal for “the adoption of a culture of dialogue as the path; mutual cooperation as the code of conduct; reciprocal understanding as the method and standard ".
"Touched by this declaration," Silsilah shared some of its toughts about the important issues cited in the document. “This document is indeed an inspiring message that helps us to emphasize the importance of the culture of dialogue and the promotion of the human fraternity among peoples of different cultures and religions.”
In light of this and “In solidarity with the Muslim Ummah in the month of Ramadan, we wish to remind all that this special month of fasting and prayer is a great opportunity to reflect on the mercy and compassion of God for all and reaffirm the importance to work together for the common good. Only if we put God at the centre of our lives, respecting others, can we dream of a better future in the midst of divisions and conflicts.
Specifically, “This message is addressed to the Muslim brothers and sisters, and at the same time is a reminder to the others, Christians and people of other living faiths, not to be tempted by money and power, but be ready to move together guided by the culture of dialogue as a path to bring peace to the human fraternity. We know that there are those who act today with hatred, but we have to move and act with love and believe that love is more powerful than hatred.”
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