Peaceful Coexistence Stressed in Brazil Interfaith Forum
According to IINA, a group of representatives of Islam, Christianity and Judaism gathered in the forum organized by the Islamic Charity Association of Sao Paulo city which also directs Al-Brazil Mosque, the oldest mosque of Latin America.
The main objective of the program was to stress the need for tolerance among followers of different religions, freedom of thought and beliefs as well as peaceful coexistence.
Addressing the forum, Abdul Haleem, custodian, preacher and imam of Al-Brazil Mosque, talked about history of Islam and noted that the necessity of respect for different religions is among the concepts stressed in the Holy Quran and Sunnah.
Another speaker at the program was Naser Fars, head of the association, who said that Islam invites to peaceful coexistence and Muslims in Brazil observe the rules and regulations which promotes the virtue.
Also speaking at the forum, Sheikh Asim Al-Jarrah, representative of Sunni Mufti of Al-Biqa’ region in Lebanon, stressed the importance of such programs in getting Muslim minorities acquainted with their roles and clarify the historical heritage of the culture of peace and tolerance, a heritage which is the significant feature of the history of Islam and Muslims.
The program was also attended by a number of political figures, members of Brazil’s Center of Clients, etc.
The number of Muslims in Brazil rose 29.1% from 2000 to 2010, according to the last Census by the Brazilian Institute for Geography and Statistics (IBGE). The community rose from 27,239 to 35,167.
http://www.iqna.ir/fa/News/3250573
