Enhancing Cooperation And Co-Existence

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Question : Can you give me a list of procedures that help enhance cooperation and peaceful co-existence in a given multi-ethnic, multi-religious, and multi-cultural society?

Dr. Muzammil H. Siddiqi :
I have outlined six important areas of work and I would like to mention them here:

1. No to intolerance:

We should emphasize tolerance and good relations with all people. We are living in this shrinking world of diverse faiths and cultures. We must recognize the rights of others and treat each person and group with honor and respect. Tolerance should not be just a slogan, but it should be put to practice on all levels. Tolerance must be practiced on the levels of individuals, groups as well as states. It should be a political and legal requirement. Tolerance should be between the members of the same community and same religion, as well as between the people of different faiths and cultures. Tolerance is not the sign of weakness in faith; it is the sign of strength and confidence in faith.

2. No to false propaganda:

We emphasize that people must be free to express their ideas and feelings. They should have full right to differ and disagree, but they must express themselves with truth and decency. Dehumanization of others, false propaganda and deliberate distortion of others views and traditions must stop. These things create alienation and anger. The media is a powerful tool and it can help in building bridges of understanding and co-existence between various religious"