JAKARTA - The United Nations has designated March 15 as the 'International Day to Combat Islamophobia'. This decision was published in the United Nations General Assembly which took place on Tuesday, March 15, 2022.
“The Ministry of Religion welcomes and supports the UN decision, which marks March 15 as the 'International Day to Combat Islamophobia'. All forms of Islamophobia must be fought," said Minister of Religion Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, Friday, March 18.
The term Islamophobia is often understood as a wave of prejudice, discrimination, fear, and hatred against Islam and Muslims. According to the Minister of Religion, all forms of prejudice and fear that are directed at religion must be fought. This is because it is one of the factors that threatens inter-religious harmony and harmony.
"All forms of fear of religion must be fought," explained the Minister of Religion.
The Minister of Religion hopes that this UN decision can be a momentum for Muslims to be at the forefront in overcoming various world problems. Muslims must be able to demonstrate behavior in accordance with the principles of Islam that love peace. Likewise other religious people, to show attitudes according to the teachings of their respective religions which of course also prioritize brotherhood and peace.
"It is important for people of all religions to ensure that harmony, peace and harmony are universal teachings of religion. All should move together in creating human brotherhood, not division and hostility," explained the Minister of Religion.
“There is no religious teaching that justifies acts of violence, regardless of the motive. Glorifying human values is the essence of the teachings of all religions," he continued.
Efforts to realize world peace, continued the Minister of Religion, must continue to be pursued. As part of this effort, his party is currently working to establish communication with two world religious leaders, Grand Sheikh Al-Azhar Ahmed Al-Tayeb and Pope Francis, the leader of the Vatican Church.
The Minister of Religion appreciated the two initiatives in promoting the values of coexistence, tolerance, and peace as detailed in the Human Brotherhood Document. This document was co-signed by Grand Imam Ahmed Al-Tayeb and Pope Francis in Abu Dhabi in February 2019.
"We are still trying to get the two world religious leaders to be present in Indonesia to see the harmony, harmony and brotherhood of the very diverse Indonesian nation," he explained.
“We are still trying to establish communication, both with the Hukama Al-Muslimin Assembly in Abu Dhabi which is chaired by Grand Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayeb. Also with Al-Azhar because he is currently the Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar. We also continue to try to establish communication with the Vatican Church," he said.
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