Crises have challenged the relationship
between Muslims and non-Muslims here in Europe and around
the world. People are asking: How do we live with one another?
How do we build trust?
Leaders and societies must respond. And
answering these questions is especially important for our
youth. The children of the 21st century are beginning to
fill our schools. My own youngest daughter is in the first
grade. These children and their older brothers and sisters
absorb every message of our societies. They are the targets
of those who seek to recruit a new generation to extremism,
fear and suspicion. It is up to us to send a different message,
a message of strength and confidence in our values and shared
humanity.
This is especially important in the dialogue
between Muslims and non-Muslims. Distortions — from
whatever source, for whatever motive — must never
be allowed to mask the reality of the values and goals we
share. The links begin in ancient history, and are rooted
in the monotheistic heritage of Judaism, Christianity and
Islam. Each honour a deeply familiar principle. Indeed,
everyone here, Muslim and non-Muslim alike, will recognise
it in the words of the Prophet Mohammad — peace and
blessings be upon him. He said: By Him in whose Hand is
my life, none of you believes until he [or she] loves for
their brother, what they love for themselves. This is the
Golden Rule of our responsibility for others.
The fact is that the ideals of tolerance,
fraternity and humanity are shared by cultures and religions
around the world. Islam, like Christianity and Judaism,
values human rights and liberties,requires respect and tolerance
for other religions. It abhors wanton violence, especially
when it is committed in the name
of religion.
It is also important to recognise our
shared commitment to our cities and nations. We all understand
that no people should be marginalised from participating
and sharing in the promise of our century. And Islam does
not instruct Muslims to isolate themselves from the progress
of human development. Islam calls on people to be active
participants in public life – to uphold the welfare
of the community, to strive for good, not for ourselves
alone, but for all, Muslim and non-Muslim alike. This is
the essence of good citizenship, anywhere in the world.
It is certainly our experience in Jordan, where Christians
and Muslims have lived side by side for more than 13 hundred
years. Today, all participate in creating Jordan’s
future. It is, God willing, a national community of mutual
respect.
This holds true wherever Muslims may find
themselves in the world. One does not need to sacrifice
a Muslim identity to be a good citizen — or give up
your identity as a good citizen to be a good Muslim. According
to Islamic law, in countries like those of Europe, where
Muslims enjoy equal justice and the freedom to practise
their religion — and even to express it in the public
domain — they must abide by the laws of the lands
in which they live. And millions upon millions do, living
peaceful and productive lives to the benefit of all society.
This is in itself an expression of faith. Muslim communities
everywhere in the world are important partners for peace
and progress.
My friends,
The success of pluralistic societies is
being watched by people all over the world. It is vital
to show that debate can be depolarised… that mistrust
and misunderstanding — and even genuine grievances
— can be overcome… and that fellow citizens
can settle controversies in a constructive framework. In
the end, this is the only basis for lasting peace and progress
– here in Europe, in the Middle East, or around the
world. We cannot delay. Our young people are depending on
us.
The Netherlands has a global reputation
for looking beyond old limits and creating new horizons.
Yours is a nation that made land from the sea… helped
create modern global commerce… and revitalised international
ideals of tolerance and compassion. Now there is a new challenge,
for all of your people. Everyone is a leader, from the neighbourhood
to the nation, who helps prevent and overcome divides.
Progress begins when we come together
and communicate with each other. Your Majesty, Prime Minister,
I know you are strongly committed to interfaith dialogue
and action. Mayor Cohen, I especially admire your motto:
“Listen to all sides.” Thank you for allowing
me to enter that dialogue today.
I believe that in partnership, we can
create a future enriched by respect for our unique cultures,
and strengthened by our common humanity… a future
that holds new hope of opportunity and peace for all.
Thank you very much.
