Respect for All Divine Religions a Core Islamic Teaching, Says Envoy
On the eve of the New Year and the birth anniversary of Jesus (AS), Habib-Reza Arzani, the Cultural Attaché of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Malaysia, met with Julian Leow Beng Kim, the Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Church in Kuala Lumpur, on the evening of December 24.
During the meeting, Arzani emphasized the peaceful coexistence of various religious communities in Iran, stating, “Christianity, Judaism, Zoroastrianism, and Mandaeism all live together in unity and harmony in Iran.”
“We take pride in the fact that Muslims and followers of other divine religions coexist with empathy and solidarity. Respect for all divine religions is a cherished teaching in Islam,” he added.
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Arzani highlighted that the Quran contains a chapter named after Hazrat Maryam (SA), which mentions the birth of Jesus (AS) and his speaking from the cradle. “The message of Jesus (AS) and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was peace, love, and compassion,” he said, emphasizing that “the path of all divine prophets leads to God and global peace.”
Referring to the recent meeting between the head of the Islamic Culture and Relations Organization and Pope Francis at the Vatican, Arzani noted, “Such meetings can enhance mutual understanding of religions and foster relationships among followers of different faiths.”
Arzani concluded by congratulating Christians on the birth of Jesus (AS), expressing hope that “the New Year will mark a beginning of peace, friendship, and justice for all humanity, and an end to the oppression of the innocent, especially the liberation of the people of Gaza and Palestine.”
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In response, Archbishop Julian Leow Beng Kim said that more than one million Roman Catholic Christians live in Malaysia, with a higher percentage in East Malaysia compared to West Malaysia.
He also pointed to the church’s charitable activities and expressed hope for a better future, stating, “I hope for a day when no child in the world is in need of help. Religious leaders must work to establish human justice across the globe.”
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