The popularity of the internet has turned the idea of “global village” into reality. We live in a world where our lives are intertwined with one another in every aspect. Our world is rich in diversity as the inhabitants of more than 190 different countries follow more than 20 different major religious traditions (including new age faiths and atheism) and speak 6500 different languages. United States is often described as the “melting pot” as people from around the world migrated here and continue to aspire to migrate for “life liberty and pursuit of happiness.” Politicians regard the diversity of race and religion in the United States as a strength. A large segment of the general population celebrates the diversity yet others are less enthusiastic. However, the general trend is that the followers of different religious groups live in relative peace and harmony. From time to time due to “faith related” local and global crimes, the less enthusiastic segment of the population engage in creating an atmosphere of fear and suspicion of the “other” which creates tension among the followers of different faiths.

Even though the diversity of faith exists in many of the Eastern countries, there exists a consciousness in the US (and in Europe to a certain extent) of the importance of different religious groups living in harmony. Due to the global political atmosphere we live in, it is more crucial now than ever before for different religious groups to extend hands in cooperation. The first step must be to make a serious effort to learn about each others religious traditions. For it is through knowledge that we learn to appreciate the similarities we share and understand the differences we have with the others in the society and around the world.

Inter-faith compassion

As a partner of “ Charter for Compassion” Al-Rawiya Foundation was inspired to adopt “Interfaith Compassion” to be the motto of interfaith engagement. As a partner, the Foundation is committed to going beyond interfaith dialogue/tolerance and actively promoting interfaith compassion through action and cooperation. The Foundation respects all religions and is open to cooperate with anyone (with or without religious affiliation) who is willing to work together to promote understanding and compassion among all people.

“Through life’s rush
never forget compassion”