“At the heart of a democratic ethic is a commitment to genuine dialogue … a readiness to give and take, to listen, to bridge the empathy gaps as well as the ignorance gaps that have so often impeded human progress. It implies a pluralistic readiness to welcome diversity and to see our differences not as difficult burdens but as potential blessings.”
His Highness the Aga Khan
Keynote address at the Athens Democracy Forum
15 September 2015
Since the events of 11 September 2001, no religious group has faced as much social harassment globally as Muslims. In the United States, Muslims are viewed more coldly than any other faith, or even atheists. This despite the fact that most individuals have no real idea about what Islam is, or who Muslims are, beyond images drawn from media headlines. Famously, Washington’s political elites interviewed after the invasion of Iraq not only failed to distinguish between Shia and Sunni, but were clueless as to whether Saudi Arabia and Iran was mainly one or the other.
The exodus of refugees from deadly conflicts in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, and beyond, inspires as much western bigotry as generosity toward the children, women and men seeking shelter and a better life.
More at the source: Institute of Ismaili Studies
About
Amyn B. Sajoo lectures in history and global politics at Simon Fraser University, where his research is at the interface of law, religion and public ethics.
Ismailimail 