World Suffering from Spread of Extremism

TEHRAN (IQNA) – A senior Iranian cleric said the world was expected to witness the establishment of peace and justice in the third millennia but, unfortunately, terrorism and extremism have plagued the life of many in the world.

Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Taskhiri, a senior adviser to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution in Muslim world affairs, made the remark on Sunday in an address to the fifth round of interfaith dialogue between the Islamic Culture and Relations Organization’s (ICRO) Center for Interreligious Dialogue and the Swiss Bishops’ Conference.

The meeting, titled "Grounds for extremism and radicalism in Muslim and Christian communities- Challenges and Solutions”, was held in Tehran.

Ayatollah Taskhiri added that violence rooted in cultural and educational weaknesses, state terrorism and extremist groups have plagued humanity.

He noted that extremism is not limited to Islamic and Christian communities but is seen in all societies.

Ignorance, injustice, misunderstanding of religious texts, seeking domination over others, anti-religious sentiments and lack of understanding among different groups of people are among the factors behind spread of extremism.

A change in the status quo is a must, he said, adding that change will be possible once grounds are prepared for it.

He referred to a verse from the Quran, "Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves,” (13:11) and said the factors of change should be prepared to make it happen.

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