Hawzah News Agency- The event took place at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in the state of Uttar Pradesh, where the Christmas ceremony became a notable example of interfaith harmony and constructive engagement between the Shia community and the Christian minority. Scholars, religious figures, and members of local religious committees attended the gathering, highlighting the importance of dialogue and coexistence in India’s diverse social fabric.
Among the attendees was Hojatoleslam Mirza Zaheer Abbas, Friday prayer leader and head of the Shia congregation at the Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) Grand Mosque, who participated alongside members of the mosque’s committee. Addressing church officials and worshippers, he extended congratulations on the occasion of Christmas and stressed that authentic religious teachings never promote hatred or violence.
“Religions are fundamentally a message of peace, love, and service to humanity,” Mirza Zaheer Abbas said, adding that Islam consistently emphasizes respect for other faiths and the necessity of peaceful coexistence. He noted that the teachings of Jesus Christ (peace be upon him) stand as a profound example of patience, compassion, and devotion to human dignity.
Referring to the current global climate marked by tensions and misunderstandings, he described interreligious harmony as an essential and irreplaceable necessity, calling on followers of different faiths to work together to counter extremism and social division through mutual understanding and cooperation.
Church officials warmly welcomed the presence of the Shia delegation, describing the visit as a meaningful symbol of goodwill and social cohesion. They praised the gesture as a reflection of shared moral values and expressed hope that such interactions would continue and expand in the future.
Participants from both sides emphasized the importance of sustained joint efforts to promote peace, tolerance, and religious harmony, noting that interfaith engagement plays a vital role in strengthening social unity and fostering a culture of respect in pluralistic societies.
The gathering was widely seen as a practical demonstration of how interreligious dialogue and cooperation can contribute to stability, mutual trust, and a shared commitment to peaceful coexistence.
Your Comment