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Let's spread tolerance and enlightenment

Nothing much has really been done to improve the Arab mindset and clear it from its inconsistencies.

The focus of the entire world was recently on the Egyptian capital Cairo where an international peace conference was organised by the Muslim Council of Elders.
The venue of the meeting was Al Azhar, the Islamic seat of learning, with a panoramic view that beats the world's best opera houses. The auditorium was filled with Muslim scholars and Christian clerics, all bearing a fig branch that symbolises peace, and palm fronds, the sign of victory. His Grace, Bishop Paula, Bishop of Tanta and Head of the Coptic Orthodox Council, was given a rapturous welcome. Everyone present was moved by his words, but how many of us will change our lives and learn to live with each other in peace. We think of ourselves as superior beings and believe we do not need to change. But then again, I am not here to tell how regressive such thoughts are.
Nothing much has really been done to improve the Arab mindset and clear it from its inconsistencies. Not much effort has been taken to improve and reform the thought process either.
Instead, we have allowed doctrine-oriented organisations, unilateral thought and regimes to thoughtfully exploit us. And this has been happening since the emergence of Islam.
However, as a participant and observer at the conference I do believe that hope looms, especially since the event was an independent one organised by Al Azhar, which distanced itself from politics and extreme religious groups.
Al Azhar faced unjustified barrages of criticism; there were even calls to shed blood. But then again, why is Al Azhar targeted? The answer is simple: Al Azhar is qualified to renew the religious discourse, to enlighten, and to bring people out of the darkness they live in.
Al Azhar is the hub of learning and knowledge that every Muslim looks up to. Its influence is not confined to just one country.
We blame Al Azhar for not discussing core issues, and instead, concentrating on superficial matters. Perhaps, this was done because it feared some scholars would be marginalised to prevent discussions on reform, and stop development of Islamic concepts.
And this could be what Pope Francis referred to in his address at the peace conference while on a two-day visit to Egypt. In his speech the Pope stressed the need to eliminate poverty and combat the current rise of populism. He stressed on issues concerning the youth and the need for developing a sustainable thought process.
But, how can such thoughts come into our minds when it is clouded by limited understanding? Will words like tolerance and moderation ever find a place in our hearts? It is worth mentioning that Islam transcends all boundaries. Islam is a complete code of life and we are required to study it deeply. Unfortunately, if anyone opposes declared norms, they are considered infidels.
So, will Al Azhar, an institution which is involved in politics, be daring enough to bring about changes and surge ahead to make religion more tolerant?
- malzarooni@khaleejtimes.com