Muslim-Christian Fraternity in the Light of Shiite Spirituality
The St. Francis Xavier Parish, in collaboration with the Xaverian International Theologate, hosted an interfaith conference on fraternity between Muslims and Christians in the perspective of Shiite spirituality. This activity was in line with the extraordinary Missionary month theme (“Baptized and Sent”) and the preparation of the Year of Ecumenism, Interreligious dialogue, and Indigenous people by the Philippine Catholic Church in 2020.
While the speaker, Ms. Isnihayah Binumbaran, was a Shiite Muslim who comes from Marawi (a city of Muslim majority, tragically known for the conflict between the Army and jihadists), the participants were parishioners whose knowledge of Islam is still very limited. Being aware of the level of her audience, the speaker shared the basics of Islamic believes (oneness of God, Day of Judgment, Prophets and Allah’s Mercy and Justice) and the five pillars of Islam. Those believes and rituals emerge from Islamic spirituality related to the search for meaning and finality of life: who Am I? Who is Allah/ God? This search goes hand in hand with the divine revelation that requires human submission to God /Allah who becomes the center of our life. In her sharing, the speaker mentioned some tangible signs of this human act of surrendering to the Creator: the capacity to easily forgive, to love others, to live in harmony amidst diversity, and to embrace all who come to your way with thanksgiving.
As we are living in the society of cultural religious pluralism, the diversity is not something new in Islam. One of the pro-diversity Islamic argument is drawn from the Holy Qur’an 32:22 “And of His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and the diversity of your languages and your colors. Indeed, in that are signs for those of knowledge.” Then, the emphasis of the interfaith dialogue is not only to know what are commonalities and differences through culture of dialogue, but to build up the spirit of fraternity as well. This awareness will help people of different religion to avoid discriminations, hatred, and violence in the name of religions and live united in their diversity.
In addition to the lecture, the open forum for questions and answers was an occasion to have a better mutual understanding and lessen possible prejudices related to Islamic believes and practices. The participants asked not only questions related to different Islamic spiritualities, 5 times daily prayers, non- shaking hands with Muslim women, but also shared their mixed experiences of joy and fear when they encounter some Muslims. In this spirit of sharing, one parishioner spontaneously talked about her positive experience of living with Muslims in Marawi. Then, she went on the stage and warmly embraced the Muslim speakers: it was a meaningful sign of fraternal and spontaneous love.
In their answers Ms. Isnihayah and her companion shared their faith experiences and their relationship with other religions influenced by their encounter with Focolare movement. The importance of being Muslim is to have Allah at center of any relationship. If someone has a good relationship with Allah and understand the meaning of being Islam, the person will only focus on Allah's will. He/she will not be distracted by the unnecessary worldly things. Therefore, whoever does the will of Allah will do good things not only for Allah but for everyone.
The presentation of Ms. Isnihayah was attended by some 250 parishioners who were listening in an atmosphere of attention, respect and fraternity. Ms. Nur, a Muslim friend who accompanied the speaker, at a certain point went on the stage, taking the floor for adding further information to the presentation and to share some personal experiences. After the meeting she told us that it was the first time that she had the courage to talk in public: it had never happened even during a Muslim gathering.
Over all, the interreligious dialogue is not only a moment to know what other people believe in, but it is also a chance to live together, to share, and to make real connection – out of love – with those who are different from us. Thus, each believer can be able to be firm in one’s belief and – at the same time – to respect others through harmonious living and loving relationship.
[By Cassien NSHIMIRIMANA & Purba NAGARA]
