HEROES

of AL-MIZAN
Education City Edition
Editors
Dr. M. Evren Tok Bayan Nizam Khaled
Associate Dean for Community Engagement, Research Fellow,
College of Public Policy, College of Islamic Studies,
Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Hamad Bin Khalifa University,
Doha. Qatar Doha. Qatar

Dr. Seda Duygu Sever Mehmetoglu

Post Doc,
College of Public Policy,
Hamad Bin Khalifa University,
Doha. Qatar

Design and Illustrations

HEROES
Irshad Ibrahim Kandakkeel
Research Assistant,
College of Public Policy,
Hamad Bin Khalifa University,
Doha. Qatar
of AL-MIZAN
Education City Edition
Acknowledgement:
This research was made possible in part by NPRP grant #12C-0804-190009, entitled SDG
Education and Global Citizenship in Qatar: Enhancing Qatar’s Nested Power in the Global
Arena, from the Qatar National Research Fund (a member of the Qatar Foundation).
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6 7

38
C O N TOF
TABLE ENTS
Yalla Talk! Foreign languages
open doors to other worlds

CONTENTS Changing communities through

social media
42

Forgiveness is the ultimate

Classroom Edition 46
form of power
Al Mizan: voices
Women’s A Covenant forheard
must be the Earth 06
10 Compassion for Rewilding the Planet 26
........................................................... ...........................................................
Get to know your neighbors! 50
Knowledge
Off the matisand
Light:
intoIslam is a Beacon
the world 14 Mercies are Renewed Every Morning:
30
of Hope 10 God is Merciful
We can’t build peace 54
........................................................... ...........................................................
Strength in diversity can unite us 18 without dialogue
Moderate Consumption for a Balanced
Lifestyle
14 Shadow is Our Cadeau (gift)
34
...........................................................
Interreligious action for social justice 22 ...........................................................
Vocabulary 58
Changes in Qatar’s Society towards
18 Mercy as a Form of Love 38
the Environment
Everyone belongs at The Feast 26 60
...........................................................
Ten principles of dialogue
...........................................................
The Interdependence
Compassion of Life
without borders 30
22 Facilitation guidelines 62
The future is in our hands 34 Discussion questions 64
 HH E E R R OO E E S S oof f A D L I - AML I OZ GA UN E H E R O E S o f D I A L O G U E

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54 55

AL
WEMIZAN:
CAN’TA
COVENANT FOR THE
BUILD PEACE
WITHOUT
EARTH
DIALOGUE
DR. EVREN TOK
Indonesia is home to the world’s largest
Cluster Director of Sustainable Development
Muslim
Goalspopulation, but Andreas
Education in Qatar,a Jonathan
5 year Research
grew up Grant
therefunded by QNRF, bubble.
in a Christian
#NPRP12C-0804-190009

I
Al went
Mizan: to Aa Christian
Covenant school
for theandEarth,
was His experience
eloquent and wasn’t unique. Millions
impassioned covenant of
which seeks to bridge the divide between forms a clear framework on the ethos
sort of and
religiosity separated from Muslims,”
sustainability, he
providing Indonesian
and ethics Christians
of the and Muslims
Islamic live
religious
guidance
said. “Ionhadthenoways
Muslimthrough
friendswhich
and tradition lives.
separate that Andreas
relate saw directly
how this to
Muslims can reignite environmental environmental conservatism in relation
didn’t know
activism my Islamic
from the Muslimtradition.
neighbours.
The separation was creating
to the individual’s prejudice
obligation within
to enjoin
Older people warned us to be cautious KLPVHOIDQGFRQÁLFWDFURVVWKHFRXQWU\DQG
of them.” decided to take action. For interreligious
 HH EE RR OO EE SS oo ff AD L I -A ML I OZ GA UN E HH EE RR OO EE SS oo ff AD LI -A ML IO ZG AU NE

8 SHDFHWRÁRXULVKKHUHDOLVHG\RXQJ,Q- The camps focus on four peace values:

56 “Peace and interreligious dialogue 9
57
donesians
good neededevil.
and forbid to come together and
This obligation of peace with God,
the course peace
content theywith
haveneighbours,
engaged
aget
Muslim is prevalent amidst
to know “the Other.” the global with and their personal experience
peace with yourself, and peace with the as are like two sides of the same coin.
The Al-Mizan
environmental crisis, embodying a citizens and residents of Qatar. More
moral and physical commitment that lies environment.
specifically, Through games and
they focused on scrip-
three We can’t build peace without dialogue”
initiative,
atIn the heart of Islam:
and the
somerole
of of
his every questions to guide their synthesis:
2007 Andreas Chris- ture, campers discuss interreligious vio- launched by the

?
Muslim to defend their rights - and the
tian of
rights friends
othersstarted hosting
- to faith, dialogue
life, offspring, OHQFH FRQÁLFW IRUJLYHQHVV DQG UHFRQFLO- Faith for Earth
and property.
sessions with young Muslims. He and a iation in fun and memorable ways. Initiative of the
experienced these tensions, Andreas and YIPCI has already welcomed more than
The Al-Mizan
Muslim initiative,
classmate grewlaunched by the
these informal United Nations
YIPCI decided to use interreligious dia- 2,000 students to its peace camps and
Faith for Earth Initiative of the United Environment
gatherings
Nations into Young Program
Environment Peacemaker Train-
(UNEP), “We talk about religious diversity, gen- logue tools to help bring about peace. now plans to reach every city and every
has
ingsalready foundtoitsaddress
for students place among most
interreligious der diversity, and being inclusive. For Program university campus in Indonesia.
leading organizations, enterprises, and (UNEP), has
FRQÁLFW7KHVHWUDLQLQJVVRRQOHGWKHPWR
projects which have either been founded some students, mostly the Muslims, it’s “Before the camp, the two groups were
through
form theAl-Mizan or have adopted
Young Interfaith this
Peacemaker WKHLUÀUVWGLUHFWHQFRXQWHUZLWK¶WKH2WK- already found
framework. The core team consists of How can we achieve balance bitter towards each other, but during the
its place among
“If we can reach more students from diverse
Community - Indonesia
representatives from the(YIPCI).
Islamic World (Mizan)it’s ainlife-changing
er’, and the relationship
experience,” reconciliation process, they found the op- backgrounds, we can help change the fu-
Educational, Scientific and Cultural between
Andreas said. “Byhumans and
sharing our actual be-
most leading
Organization; the Islamic Foundation portunity to forgive and become friends,” ture of our society for the better,” Andreas
for Ecology and Environmental nature? organizations,
YIPCI’s interfaith peace campsSciences;
give reli- liefs and discussing them, our prejudices Andreasenterprises,
said. “They understood believes. “Peace and interreligious dia-
Uskudar University in Istanbul; and and that not
giously Qatar,
within diverse students from across
the Qur’anic Indo-
Botanic start to melt
How canaway.”we reduce our every member of the which
other faith is violent logue are like two sides of the same coin.
Garden;
projects
nesia the Earthna,
chance to andmakethe
newCollege of
friendships ecological footprint and walk and thathave
Islamic Studies (CIS) at Hamad Bin either
the root of the problem isn’t our We can’t build peace without dialogue”.
and learn
Khalifa about each other’s beliefs and
University. “lightly” on Muslim
At each camp, the earth?
and Christian stu- religiousbeen founded
teachings. Since the camp, they
experiences. Unlike many secular ap- dents admit their past prejudices, apol- through
have opened their minds, forgiven pre-
Students of Islam and Global Affairs, How can we move from
College
proachesoftoIslamic Studies,
dialogue, YIPCIHamad Bin
emphasises ogise for them, and
Knowing andforgive one another.
practicing Al-Mizan
vious ‘enemies’, and ormobilised others to
Khalifa University, 2021 – 2023 Cohort
the common core
undertook a teachings
project offor
Christiani-
the sustainability
Andreas sees these to becoming
heartfelt apologies have adopted
ÀQGSHDFHµ
Globalization
ty and Islam. and Faith Based sustainable in our everyday
and the genuine forgiveness that follows as this framework.
Development Course and engaged with lives and being?
Al Mizan initiative. Students aimed at important steps towards true reconciliation. In addition to frequent peace camps,
harmonizing
“For effectiveAldialogue,
Mizan document
we need to withgo YIPCI organises a national conference
back to the holy books,” Andreas be- One of the most powerful reconciliations and hosts interfaith dialogue courses to
lieves. “We read scripture together ev- Andreas remembers came at a YIPCI help former participants become peace Dr EvrenJonathan
Andreas Tok is a
ery morning and have open discussions, camp with participants from Indonesia’s camp facilitators. isGlobal citizen
a Christian
highlighting peaceful verses in the Quran Maluku Islands. A generation was born into
from Yogyakarta,
and the Bible to counter more radical YLROHQWFRQÁLFWWKHUHVRPH\HDUVDJR Andreas handed YIPCI leadership over to
Indonesia
verses some people misuse to promote and hostility and resentment has stayed younger members in 2017 but still serves
UHOLJLRXVFRQÁLFWDQGYLROHQFHµ between Christians and Muslims. Having as an adviser to help guide its growth.
 HH E E R R OO E E S S oof f A D L I - AML I OZ GA UN E H E R O E S o f D I A L O G U E

10
10 In primary school, Saad learned that 11
10 acquiring knowledge is a huge part
of Islam, especially in disciplines that
encourage others to marvel and
think deeper about the wonders of
Allah.

KNOWLEDGE
WOMEN’S IS LIGHT:
ISLAM IS A MUST
VOICES BEACON
BEOFHEARD
HOPE
SAAD KHODR
Nigeria is home to hundreds of languages and cultures.
Most of them are stitched together by two major
religions -- Islam in the north and Christianity in the
south. Justina
In a little village inMike Ngwobia
the northern lives
part of right
Lebanon, in the
a little middle.
boy slept soundly
under the shade of a tree, tired from a long day of work guarding his family
farm. He worked hard, planting crops, looking after sheep and cows, and
packaging harvested vegetables to be sold in the local market. Visitors from
nearby
he wascities
raisedwould
in a come from all overJustina
to buyarrived
eggs, live chickens, and fresha

S
Christian com- in 1990, she discovered
milk. They were all well dressed, had nice cars and happy kids. When he
munityhis
asked butparents
movedwhy to Jos at people
these 18 land of tension
seemed like theyandhad
mistrust.
it all, they told
him it was because of their education,
years old to do interfaith work with and that if he wanted a similar life,
he would have to strive on the path of education.
Muslims. Jos is a religiously diverse city ,QVPDOOÀJKWVRYHUMREVDQGODQG
in central Nigeria known locally as the H[SORGHG LQWR YLROHQW FRQÁLFW EHWZHHQ
“home of peace and tourism,” but when Christians and Muslims. More than 2,000
 H EE RR O
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E S
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L O

12
12 people were school,
In primary killed. Homes
Saad were burned.
learned that logue on peace and
After graduating highsecurity
school,issues in the
Mr. Khodr AfterWomen
The graduating cision-making processesand
All the above examples across Nigeria
experiences 13
13
Churches and mosques were destroyed.of
acquiring knowledge is a huge part studied They
region. engineering in the
jumped at the opportunity.
United States high school, Mr. support
and the vision
to bring of Mr. Peacebuilders
the Women Khodr, which
Islam, especially in disciplines that of America. He worked hard to preserve Peacebuilders has led him to where he is today,
Christian
encourageand Muslim
others neighbours
to marvel who
and think his religion and he was involved in local Khodr studied WR RWKHU FRQÁLFW
studying at the]RQHV ZKHUH
College ofGLDORJXH
Islamic
deeper about the wonders of Allah. communities where he made Dawah steer children
engineering in Studies at Hamad Bin Khalifa University
had long lived side-by-side moved to “Most of the women
(proselytization) had never entered
to non-Muslims. At the can helpasrestore
(HBKU) part ofpeace.
the Islam and Global
This is supported
opposite ends of by the Old
town. Quran, where
friends be-it time,
the he was
others’ saddened by since
neighbourhoods fellowthe
Muslim
2001 the United
away from Affairs program (IGA). This program is
states: students who lost their identity because States of where critical thinking is encouraged to
came strangers and grew further apart crisis.
of theirNowfascination
Muslim andwith
Christian women
the western Justina wished
make future for a that
changes “home areof peace,”
guided by
“Areeach
theypassing
ever equal,
violence
America. by
with year. those who know world.
are inviting each other into their commu- Islamic principles. The IGA program
but wishes alone don’t bring change. She
and those who do not know? Only the addresses pressing global issues
people of discernment will reflect (on nities, going Mr.
In college, across town,participated
Khodr and going into encouraging
In 2006, Mr. Khodr’s professional needed
affectingtocontemporary
work hard to makeMuslim hersocieties
dream
the distinction between career led him to the State of Qatar.
Justina hated this division. She knowledge
wanted to interfaith
the dialogues
others’ area,” Justina saidtowith pride.
clear
them
Motivated to change,
to seek activelySaad used
and humanity worldwide. For
a reality, and she needed help. She example,
and ignorance, and obedience to God misconceptions about Islam and sustainable development and the true
and indisobedience,)
live and beshe’d
that “home of peace” mindful.”
been “They
Muslims,haveas ait is
voice nowinand
stated are saying
the Quran: his knowledge and experience working application
spoke up notofknowing
Shariah,if which
anyoneiswould very
(Al-Zumar: 9) participate
with other professionals in
to promote a evident by Al-Mizan, an Islamic
promised, a community united by love and they are into
“Invite tired the
of this crisis.ofThey
path yourwant to
Lord Transport Master Plan to the State of listen,
covenantbut the
for voices
Earth.ofIt the women
offers a who
true
The Prophet
respect, (PBUH) by
not separated also
fearencouraged
and anger. with to
learn Wisdom, and as
live together goodone instruction,
people.” Qatar.their
This plancommunities.
addresses the issues of application of the understanding
joined her were louder and more harmo- of the
acquiring knowledge when he said: and argue with them in ways that are nature and how to reduce the impact of Quran and the teachings of the Prophet
She shared her dream with the women of best and most gracious, Indeed Your Qatar’s future transport system on nious than (PBUH),
of Islam she couldallhave ever imagined.
in support of the
“The
Jos superiority
and of awasn’t
found out she learned man over
alone. Lord ÀUVW
is more Knowing ofVWDUWHG
who has climate changes through sustainable idea that wherever a Muslim is, he
7KDW PHHWLQJ LQ  WKH transportation alternatives. Jos is a more peaceful place today be-
a worshipper is like my superiority strayed from his way, and he is most should always strive to be a source of
over the ordinary men from among any knowingPeacebuilders
Women of who is Network,
rightly guided.”
now ac- “Women are natural peacebuilders,” cause
light they
and raised
shouldtheir
bevoices together.of
a beacon
companions.” (Al-Nahl: 125) The Transport Master Plan with its Metro guidance and hope for all beings.
“Women in Nigeria have always been tive in 10 communities around Jos. Mem- Justina believes.and
lines, cycling “When you networks,
walking build up
Mr. Khodr
pushed to thesetbackground,
a goal tobutgain the
we are Following
bers serve the eventsambassadors
as peace of September 11,
in their women, they will be able to build part
would serve communities and be of
a bet-
knowledge that would help him in both Mr. Khodr participated in several the effort to minimize the impact on the
key to peacebuilding,”
his career she told
and in inviting themtoand
people the neighbourhoods
workshops and to promote
lectures to interfaith
clarify, onceco- ter family,
earth's and thatthrough
ecosystems will translate intothe
reducing a
path of Allah. He realized
anyone who would listen. “Our voicesthat the again, thatunderstanding,
operation, Islam is a religion of peace,
tolerance, and release of
better society.” carbon dioxide (CO2),
Shariah principle has to guide his life to and it deeply values the sanctity of methane, and other gasses into the
must
beingbe heard!”
knowledgeable, trustworthy, respect. TheyAswork
human life. statedacross
in thereligious
Quran: lines atmosphere (Al-Mizan 1.9).
honest, sincere, and to care for all to heal old wounds and make their com- The
created beings, humans and others alike. “He who kills a soul unless it be (in This Women
relates toPeacebuilders
the idea of notencourage
disturbing
Justina’s
What Saad voicedid
wasfollows
loud onwhat
its own, but shein
is stated legal punishment)
munity whole again. for murder
People or for
who became the equilibrium between the
children and young people to active-terrestrial,
Al-Mizan (5.3): causing disorder and corruption on oceanic and atmospheric domains, as
needed other women to speak up too. In HQHPLHV
the Earth RUwill
VWUDQJHUV
be as ifDIWHU
he had WKH FRQÁLFW
killed all ly participate
stated in their
in Al-Mizan, so communities and
that the carbon
“The sheShariah
2016 invited 30principles,
Christian and applied
Muslim humankind; and he who saves
have now reunited as friends and are a life cycle maintains the Earth’s
stop violence. They speak up online, climatic
flexibly to changing circumstances in will be as if he had saved the lives of equilibrium (Al Mizan 1.10). This draws
women fromtimes
different aroundand
Josplaces,
to join her in dia-a
provide working together(Al-Ma‛idah:
all humankind.” for positive change.
32) spreading messages
a strong similarity to of
thelove
Quranandonunity
not
set of ground rules aimed at ensuring spreading fasad (mischief) on the Earth,
to
as stop religious hate speech on social
stated: Justina
Saad isis
Khodr
cooperation and responsible behavior.”
media platforms. Justina says these ef- from Lebanon
Christian and
“Hence, do not spread corruption on
Mr. Khodr set forts
earthareafter
making it ahas
noticeable impact,
“They have a avoice
goal to
nowgain theare
and knowledge
saying that
they ordered. And call unto
been so
Him with
well
fear
from Jos,
would help him in both his career and in inviting helping calm tensions in areas of vio-
are tired of this crisis. They want to learn to and longing: verily, God's grace is Nigeria.
people to the path of Allah. lence. She’s unto
ever near now theworking
doersto of
getgood.”
more
live together as one people.” (Al-A‛raf: 56)
women involved in government and de-
 HH E E R R OO E E S S oof f A D L I - AML I OZ GA UN E H E R O E S o f D I A L O G U E

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22
14 23

MODERATE
INTERRELIGIOUS
CONSUMPTION
ACTION FORFOR
BALANCED LIFESTYLE
SOCIAL JUSTICE
ALI ABDULLA AL-BUAINAIN
Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz was “born interfaith”.
Ali Al-Buainain was born in the gulf state of Qatar with a profoundly Arab and
Islamic background. Coming from the gulf, Ali is used to having resources
available at hand. He describes the story of how he became more aware of his

H
consumption
e grewhabits
up in and
the what ledStates
United him to change
faith,”them after
Shmuly said.spending
“There isa wisdom
few years
in
in Ethiopia.
celebrating Christmas and Easter various approaches.”
with his mother’s side of the family
and Passover and Rosh Hashanah with his As he explored different movements
When Ali
father’s received
side. At 10 the news
years old that he will
he commit- There
and were dayswithin
communities whenJudaism
electricity would
over the
be moving to Ethiopia for work, he was suddenly cut off and stay off for days.
ted to Judaism
looking forward buttonever abandoned
learning about his
its years, he developed
Sometimes there washisa own worldview,
limited amount
culture, language
interreligious roots.and history. However, of food
one thatoptions.
embracesHot water was interreli-
diversity, not even
having lived in Qatar his entire life, he available for too long before it turned ice
was surprised to find out that he had to gious
cold. dialogue,
He had toand social
learn justice.
to take advantage
getthink
“I used to livingcame
I just in anto
area
thethat was not
conclusion of that short window.
attuned to his typical consumption
that God is much greater than any one
habits. This outlook inspired his grassroots or-
 HH EE RR OO EE SS oo ff AD LI -A ML I OZ GA UN E H
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16
24 JDQL]DWLRQ$UL]RQD-HZVIRU-XVWLFH7KH
Ali decided to face these challenges by talk about
sustain their faith as the key ingredi-
himself. waste.
and Surely, He
host asylum-seeking doesbutnot
families, do- “It’s
peopleimportant
have that
and we understand
their each
consumption 17
25
trying to recognize what lessons are Al-Mizan (balance) Covenant describes likeso opened
the their transgressors.” attitudes towards these resources. Lack
group
hiddenconnects
in them. hundreds of Jewisha vol-
After spending few ent
the tocontinuous
their strength,” he said.growth
economic “They sur-as ing eyes to really won- other, stand together,
of awareness and use
in one’s owntheattitude
collec-
months in Addis Ababa in
XQWHHUVZLWK&KULVWLDQRUJDQL]DWLRQVDQG the unsustainable and antithetical
vived starving and abuse on their jour- to the (Al-A'raf:
derful people.” 31) towards
tive power consumption mayreligious
of faith and even leadcom-to
beginning, Ali returned to Qatar for a principles of Islam. Development’s ungrateful behaviors.
churches to helpand,
short holiday Central
there,American
he had mi-an neys because
objective theya had
is to live faithfulfilling
healthy that they
life Furthermore Allah states: munities to try to create positive change
epiphany of what these lessons
grants who arrive at the border of the might but without
were not alone.”consuming more than is He hopes their experience will encour- After coming
around back from
the world,” Addis,
Shmuly Ali strives
believes.
be. needed. It is also necessary to keep in “And those who, when they to keep improving on his consumption
8QLWHG 6WDWHV DQG 0H[LFR DIWHU ÁHHLQJ mind that people have to develop age more Jewish communities to think of habits and teach those close to him not
When he came back, he walked
spend, are neither wasteful to be wasteful of any interreligious
of the resources
poverty and violence back home. into a without compromising the needs of interreligious
nor stingy,service and sociala justice
but choose middle as The more he promotes
available. He preaches that people must
dia-
supermarket and for the first time, he future generations or threaten the
became aware of the abundance of integrity of nature or
During its habitants.
busy course
core between
to their identities. that” not wait
logue, theuntil
morethey
hopehave to consume
he has less
for the future.
resources people have in Qatar. to consume what they need.
During
Nothing busy
wasmigration
different,weeks,
but histhousands
point of Al-Mizan weeks, (Al-Furqan: 67). Furthermore, people need to continue to
migration identify you’re
that which
of people cross into the United grateful
view had changed. He felt more States (balance) Beyond his work at the southern border,
The Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) also
“When on thethey wastedoing
ground and inter-
learn
for how much access to food there was how to consume moderately to keep a
empty-handed and and
with all its varieties tired.options.
Some are just
He also thousands
Covenant of people said that:
Shmuly helps people of different reli- faith sociallifestyle.
balanced justice work, you see just how
felt humbled when he reflected on his describes
young children, scared and separated
experience in Addis. For example, it was cross intothe
the US gious and cultural backgrounds from all
“Following the middle path is a
many people are humbly serving each
IURPWKHLUIDPLOLHV$UL]RQD-HZVIRU-XV-
a blessing, in Qatar, that he did not have continuous over the world. He invites newly arrived
virtue.” and every day,” Shmuly said. “This spir-
to worry about hot water running out empty-handed
economic
and
tice’s
everyvolunteers bring to
time he wanted them clothes and
shower. Syrian refugees into his family home for itually rooted solidarity is so powerful. It
exhausted. Moreover, in a response to someone
food, provide medical services, and of- growth as Some Thanksgiving
who asked thedinners
Prophetand leadsabout
(PBUH) a Jew-
the shows that we’re never alone.”
Ali further noticed that people in Qatar unsustainable usage of dialogue
water group
whilst toperforming
fer
arefree
notlegal support.
aware of their consumption are just young ish-Muslim strengthen
ablution, he responded that one must
habits, which was not a surprise to him and antithetical ties between
not waste local religious communities.
water…
because people live in a globalized children, scared
to the principles
“Taking care
capitalist of thethat
system foreigner,
targets the strang-
consumers
everywhere on a daily basis. Through
er, the refugee is a clear priority in our of Islam.
and separated “even if one performs ablution
“I saw that young Jews were really hungry
constant advertising and marketing, they in a flowing river.”
are text,”
holy taughtShmuly
to believe that “It’s
explains. theythe
have
Jew-to from their families. to engage with Muslims but didn’t have
buy and consume more than they Why does Islamsoteach mankind
ish history.need
actually We towere wanderers
sustain and im-
themselves. outlets for that, we created thisnot to be
space,”
wasteful even when the resources are
migrants for 2,000 years, so this work is In the Quran, Allah instructed he said. “The
available in goal has been relationship
abundance? Why does
When he returned to Ethiopia, he humankind not to abuse what He has Al-Mizan invite people to reconsider
important to that
recognized who what
we are.”
he needed did not “Not alone”
laid out in a religious
on Earth sense, but
for His beings andalso
not building, not sharing theology but getting
their lifestyles? Ali believes it is not
change. Instead, he slowly shifted his to disturb Al-Mizan. He says:
LQ WHUPV RI KXPDQ FRQQHFWLRQ $UL]RQD to knowthe
about each other as human
availability beings.” but
of resources,
habits to match what was available. He rather changes in the lifestyle that
Shmuly
realizedand his even
that team with
of volunteers try to
less resources Jews
“Eatforand
Justice’s volunteers
drink, butgivedothe not
gift
available he had more than enough to of community as much as they receive it.
bring stability and dignity to the migrant The dialogue group helps young peo- Ali Abdulla
Rabbi Shmuly
experience. They visit asylum seekers in ple build interfaith friendships and has Al-Buainain
is Jewishisand
from
detention centres to hear their stories “Most volunteers thought they would just become an important source of solidar- Qatar
from Arizona,
and listen to their concerns. be helping, but they were transformed ity against hate crimes targeting Jews,
United States
by the work as well,” Shmuly said. “Some Muslims, and other minorities in the
´,·YH EHHQ DPD]HG DW KRZ PXFK WKH\ ZHUHVFDUHGDWÀUVWWRRSHQWKHLUKRPHV United States.
 HH E E R R OO E E S S oof f A D L I - AML I OZ GA UN E H E R O E S o f D I A L O G U E

18
1818 19

CHANGES IN QATAR’S
STRENGTH
SOCIETY TOWARDS
IN DIVERSITY
THE ENVIRONMENT
CAN UNITE US
HISSA ALKUWARI
People around the world and in Qatar, in particular, have little
awarenessNo matter
about the sport
the environmental or how
effects of theirwell
daily actions.
Fortunately, the level of awareness among the local Qatari community is
theyandplayed,
rising Simran
Hissa explains Jeet
how she plays Singh
a role in and his
increasing
environmental consciousness among her society.
three brothers always stood out.

S
imran’s family is Sikh, a reli- “Being visibly different, we had to learn
Hissagion
dreamed
with ofrootsgoing
in on volunteer
South Asia lives.an
from Going
earlytoage
villages
how to
to provide
answer clean
ques-
trips to areas of the world that are water, cook meals, or build schools and
and by
affected around 30 million
drought, followers
famine, and tions aboutisour
hospitals faith all
worth andthe
traditions,”
energy Sim-
and
erosion to help those suffering
worldwide. Like most Sikhs, the Singhs from effort required. Ultimately, everything
ran remembers. “If people were just be-
these environmental crises. She sees people give out to the world returns to
wrap their in
happiness hairthein faces
turbans, a look who
of people few ing curious,
them, we good
whether learned to welcome that
or bad.
go and offer their services to make a
of their neighbours
difference, howeverinsmall,
South inTexas had
people's and to promote the idea that we may be
ever seen. different, but we’re all connected.”
 HH EE RR OO EE SS oo ff DA IL A- LM OI Z
G A
U N
E H H E E R R OO E E S S oo f f DA I L A - LMO I GZ UA EN

20
20 Simran
The admits that
honorable at Messenger,
Islamic times there may were The honorable
“Our turbans didn’t This shared idea led Simran to a career criminate. This multireligious component 21
21
God’s prayers and peace be upon him Islamic Messenger, Today, she teaches her children those
challenges.
(PBUH), When heall
dedicated washisin elementary
time and matter to people if in interreligious
values and that
and principles intercultural dia-
she learned helped show that other communities were
energy for others and it is the
school, his family went to his older duty of
broth- may God’s prayers growing
logue anduphelped
through thethe
start teachings of
Sikh Coali- directly affected and involved.”
Muslims to follow his example and do
er’s same.
5th grade graduation party
we
andwere
peacegood
be uponat the true Islamic religion and the Prophet
the They have to behave withwhich
the tion, which
(PBUH). He works to protect
commanded civil and
everyone hu-
to be
guidance of his noble morals
was held at the local roller skating rink. to him (PBUH), football,
basketball, very
man keen
rightson
fortrees, stating:
everyone. Beyond the sports arena, Simran writes
preserve the environment, people, and dedicated all his
Theliving
all manager of the rink wouldn’t let the
creatures. baseball, and “If the Hour comes and one of you and makes regular media appearanc-
boys skate with their turbans on. He or- time and energy has a seedling
“It started in to
as a way hisprotect
hand,ourand he
surviv- es to educate Americans about diversity
In the past, people did not know the for others
soccer. and it
Sports is
really is able to plant it before the Hour
dered themoftoenvironmental
meaning remove their head cover-
pollution, begins, letremembers.
al,” Simran him do so.”“Since then we’ve and representation.
only what affects the ozone layer and its the dutyequalise
helped of Muslims the
ings (a symbol
causes, such asofcar their religiousindustrial
exhausts, identity) ZRUNHGWRVHL]HWKH6LNKVSLULWRIDFWLYLVP
Furthermore, he said:
pollution from
to follow his
or leave the rink. factories, and water playing and agency.” “We don’t see much media coverage of
pollution from disasters caused by example field”
and do the “There is no harm, no harm…”
human interventions like oil leaks in Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, and Buddhists in
water
same.
Instead sources.
of leaving There
the isrink,a or
growing
asking which
The Sikhrefers to now
Coalition the helps
use empower
of naturalre- America. These are the communities who
awareness in Qatar and people have resources but without causing any harm
her sons taking
started to take offcaretheirof turbans, Sim-
the local and connect
Exported with people,
recycled andare
materials that could
sent to ligious
to and He
nature. identity-based
also urgedcommunities
mankind toto end up being marginalised and whose
environment, not only on a industrialized countries, such as China preserve the environment, contribute to
ran’s mother went
governmental level,to but
the other
also onparents
an change the way they see us, themselves, stop hatredpollution
reducing and discrimination
around the by standing
world, stories I’m trying to tell. Anyone who is
and Ecuador.
individual level.what was happening. The
and told them and society. That was super powerful.” and eliminate their
up for themselves and each other. extravagant underrepresented, I try to bring their
Everyone shares the responsibility of spending habits. This is because the
whole
In thegroup
past,leftpeople
the skating rink togeth-
believed that looking after the environment. Everyone planet is not the property of man only, voice to the table,” he said.
environmental pollution would
er in a statement of solidarity and com-not is involvedconnections
The positive in preserving the
Simran’s family but of all when
In 2014 living creatures.
InternationalEveryone will
Basketball
affect them directly, but rather impact environment by carrying out clean-up return to their creator and will be held
mitmentplaces
distant to diversity
in the–world
a moment
such that has
as the built throughorsports
campaigns and interfaith
by planting trees work
and Federation (FIBA)
accountable rules forced
for their actions two
in Indi-
this
North and South Poles.
stuck with Simran for the rest of his life. preserving seasonal green areas
helped them through some of America’sthat world, so they must all contribute
an Sikh players to remove their turbans and
sprout due to seasonal rains. make a positive mark on it.
Fortunately, this mindset is changing darkest days. After the September 11, before a game, Simran started a suc-
and the environmental awareness and Throughout
Instead of
urgency to seeing their minority
act is increasing statusthe
around as 2001 attacks,her upbringing,
turbaned Sikhs and
learned to preserve the environment
Hissa
oth- cessful multireligious campaign pressur-
world and Simran’s
a problem, in Qatarfamily
specifically.
used it Now
as an through
er minorities cleanliness,
were targeted withrecycling,
racist ing FIBA to lift its headgear ban, which
the local community is collecting, landscaping, and agriculture and not to
opportunity
sorting to break waste.
and recycling down stereotypes
Moreover, and xenophobic
overuse hate crimes
natural sources acrossand
of energy the it did in 2017.
in
and be good ambassadors for recycling
Qatar, there are many Sikhs and water.
UnitedNow she is putting in a personal
States.
factories for different materials, such as effort to look after the planet by
minoritiesrubber,
paper, everywhere.
plastic, and glass reducing the consumption of paper “Muslim, Jewish, and other groups came
factories. For example, some fertilizers and,
“We instead,
realised taking
that itadvantage of other
wasn’t effective or
are made from recycled food leftovers. together to explain how the headgear
available means such as modern Hissa Alkuwari is
“Our turbans didn’t matter to people if helpful to only address the concerns of
technology. ban negatively affected us and nega- Simran
from is a Sikh
Qatar
we were good at basketball, football, our community. We needed to address tively shaped how our kids imagine their from New York,
baseball, and soccer. Sports really helped these issues at their core. That meant place in society,” Simran said. “Our unit- United States
HTXDOLVH WKH SOD\LQJ ÀHOGµ 6LPUDQ UH- working together with Muslim, Arab, and ing message was that sports should bring
members. “All we had to do was show up other communities,” he said. people together, not divide and dis-
 HH E E R R OO E E S S o of f A D L I - AML I OZ GA UN E H E R O E S o f D I A L O G U E

3822
38 39

THE
YALLA TALK!
FOREIGN LANGUAGES
INTERDEPENDENCE
OPEN DOORS TO
OF LIFE
OTHER WORLDS
ABDULQUDUS SANNI
Hibaactions
Little Ibrahim was
could lead borneffects
to major into ina the
family of engineers,
environment and everything
is connected. Serious environmental damage does not discriminate against
physicians,
geography and scientists.
or demography. Abdulqudus They
shines a were
light onpassionate
the relationship
between the environment, Islam and living beings.
about numbers, but Hiba loved languages.

S
Growing up in Arabic
he spoke the rural
at part
home,of studied
Lagos, to
“It’s get to the
just me,” Hibaurban areas.
laughed, In this
inviting him
Abdulqudus enjoyed the shade of large community, he was amazed at the
Englishwalking
trees while at school, and would
to school stay
and back. to look around.
dearth of trees Her father
there. left although
Here, the room
Although he did
up late intonot
theknow
nightwho planted
whispering rural
confused.in nature, deforestation was the
the trees, the generosity of those who order of the day, and the consequential
foreign
planted words
them wasandbeneficial
phrases into her and
to him pil- grips of erosion caught up with the
he would
low walk under
for practice. the shades
One evening each
her father community
Hiba’s parents by found
the day. In the new
her late-night lan-
time with a sense of appreciation. community, houses were built in pits
passed Hiba’s bedroom door, heard her guage sessions
created unusual,
by erosion, andbutsome theyfound
soon
As an adolescent, his family moved to a themselves on the edges of such pits.
whispers,
more ruraland ran into
setting, onethe
thatroom to catch
was far from grew to respect her curiosity about the
the majorshe
whoever road
wassettings
talkingand
to. it took hours Since
world several people that
and to accept in the
hercommunity
own path
 HH E E R R OO E E S S oof f A D L I - AML I OZ GA UN E HH EE RR OO EE SS oo ff AD LI -A ML IO Z G A U N E

24 practiced
led her to a subsistence
job with wordsagriculture,
instead of wearing the hijab and practicing Islam.” 25
40
rainfall was supposed to be a blessing.
Yalla Talk exposed
The Al-Mizan Hiba
(Balance) to different
Covenant describes 41
numbers. “If a Muslim plants a tree or sows
But alas, They
it wascouldn’t stop
a curse. Theher passion
houses in every creation as beingage
created for a
the pits would flood during rains, and seeds, and then a bird, or a person cultures at a young and helped
for intercultural dialogue.
those at the edge would sometimes
Many participants came to the group shy,
or an animal eats from it, it is purpose, and the extirpation of these life
collapse into the pits causing unsure of theiras
regarded language skills and how gift
a charitable oth- her become
sources moreasopen-minded
like trees and
a destruction of very
destruction. As a young adolescent with (sadaqah) fortheir
him.”
Hiba loved speaking with the American
little to no resources, he could only
ers would view cultures. Little by little important
curious fabrichow
about of the earth.connect
people
and European
wonder, students
couldn't at her
people do high school
something WKHLUFRQÀGHQFHJUHZDQGVRGLG+LED·V
about the situation? “When the final hour comes and you
in Jordan. The more they talked, the more have a seed, plant it”
His
she family
learnedmoved
about yet again,
their this time
lives back to
home,
a community where the consequences of
and the more her
deforestation andEnglish
poor skills improved.
waste disposal She’s
from now living
55 to 58inallowed
Canadahim working on a
to reach Hiba’s
save thefavourite proverb,
environment “One
first. Allah lan-
states in
had caught up. During rainfall, whole “IGrowing
beganup in
thinking of some important realizations:
doctorate
the Quran:
guage, one person; two languages, two
houses would be submerged in flood, the rural part Thatdegree
the Sunand
anddeveloping inter-
the Moon travel
“I began
and thinking
people couldofonly
language
movenot just asin
around a language not just with precision
cultural communication tools for schools. “Is therecomes
persons,” any reward for goodanother
from Turkish, other
makeshift canoes. It was at this point of Lagos, That the stars and the trees are than good? So which is it,languag-
of the
practical tool to get things done but as a
that he realized that the solution to the as a functional tool
Abdulqudus One day she hopes to start an English
sentient language she speaks. Learning
That podcast
Allah hasforsetyoung
the balance favors of your Lord, that ye deny?”
problems lies with
way to interact withhim. The protection
people and to learn of and Arabic people so es allows us to communicate with and un-
the environment was critical not just to enjoyed
to the done
get things That upending the balance would (Ar-Rahman: 60)
more the
save about our cultures,”
planet but also Hiba said.
its inhabitants, shade of they can talk about and celebrate their
be consequential derstand other people and their cultures.
i.e. humans, animals, and others. but
largeastrees
a way to own The consequences of disrupting
the diversity.
balance are grave regardless of The more languages we speak, Hiba be-
This idea
The inspired Yalla
Al-Mizan Talk, a Covenant
(Balance) language while walking
interact with people demography and geography. lieves, the more minds we can reach.
describes every creation as being
partnership programme Hiba co-found-
created for a purpose, and the to school
and and more
to learn Yalla Talk exposed Hiba
This interconnectedness andtobalance
different
of
HGLQGXULQJKHUÀQDO\HDURIKLJK
extirpation of these life sources like trees back. all things
cultures at suggest
a youngthatageharming a being
and helped her
or a part of the environment would have
as a destruction of very important fabric
school. “Yalla”Asmeans about our cultures”
of the earth. such,“Let’s!” in Arabic,
it is essential to become
adverse more
effectsopen-minded and curious
that could pervade the
note that every other life source
and Yalla Talk brought together young is just as The United Nations established that world.
about how people connect. It made her
entitled to the earth as we humans are. about 1.6 billion people depend on
Jordanians
As and foreign
we develop and grow, exchange
we must stu- forests as their source of livelihood. This celebrate being ahave
The realizations Jordanian
sinceMuslim
shaped wom-
his
preserve the other species that exist on shows life as he has committed himself to
dents to talk about their cultures. In 2013that
shethe preservation
moved of trees
to the United is in
States an and appreciate
planting trees, so itintercultural
serves as dialogue
food for
earth. fact the preservation of human life.
for a year
Al-Mizan to teachCovenant
(Balance) Arabic. There
describesshe those
as who needto it,
an opportunity provide
learn not justshade,
about
Once again, Abdulqudus moved the replenishing of life sources like trees prevent erosion and flooding, protect
“Back then, social media was not yet
temporarily to another rural location
very spoke at churches, movie festivals, and
as a means of good as well as a
other people, but against
the environment also about herself.
climate change
and he in found
popular Jordan,that somea new
so it was people’s
idea demonstration
universities whereof she
appreciation
shared herto Allah.
thoughts and also sensitize the people of the
survival is dependent on trees because This shows that the process of world. He aims to educate the world to
to lack
of bringofpeople frompower.
economic different back-
Unknown on women in is
afforestation thenotMiddle
only East,
a meansreligion,
to Practicing English wordsconscious
be environmentally on her pillow
and
persons realize that little actions could have
grounds planted
togethermost of the about
to speak trees. At this
ideas preserve the human life, but
and Islamophobia. When ideas got lost also a was a safe place
magnified to start,
effects andbutthatHiba’sthese
for- Abdulqudus Sanni is
Hiba is Muslim
point, he reflected on the cycle of life channel to be appreciative to Allah. from Ghana
and the
and questions,”
benefitsHiba remembers.
of trees yet again “It
forwas
the in translation, both at Yalla Talk and in consequences
eign language do
andnot discriminate
dialogue skills based
really
on geography or demography. Everyone and from Amman,
survival of humans. This had
eye-opening to talk with Christian and him Al-Mizan
the describes
United States, Hiba usedthe her cosmic
dia- started
pondering on the following two equilibrium as the interconnectedness needs toto understand
grow when thatshe started
to save real
the Jordan.
Jewish students
important about
hadiths theirProphet
by the faiths and for
peace logue facilitation skills toofsmooth
and interdependence tensions
all beings in world from destruction,
conversations everyone
with real people must
and over-
and blessings be upon him (PBUH): existence. In surah Rahman, the verses
us to share personal experiences around and keep the peace. came her fear of making mistakes.
 HH E E R R OO E E S S oof f A D L I - AML I OZ GA UN E H E R O E S o f D I A L O G U E

26
2626 27

COMPASSION
EVERYONE FOR
REWILDING
BELONGS THE
AT
PLANET
THE FEAST
KHAN MUHAMMAD AN NAZMUS SAQIB
Tim
Saqib believes that Fawssett’s
having early
compassion and empathychildhood
is the most crucial factor
in protecting the environment and restoring it to its original state. This is
only possible in
withAustralia wasand“outside
proper knowledge widespreadthe box,”He explains
awareness.
how his passion for battling climate change propelled him into activism. He
firmly believes but
that ithe
is everyone's
never feltmorallike
obligation to preserve the earth's
an outsider.
wellbeing, care for it, and engage in environmental stewardship by adopting
and inspiring others to lead sustainable lives.

H
is parents were Christian mission- When Tim turned 10 years old, his fam-
Saqib was
ariesborn
and in Bangladesh,
some of the onlyone of
white es
ily associated
moved to awith airtown.
larger pollution include
For the very
the countries with the densest popula- heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmo-
tions onpeople
Earth. inDespite
a remote aboriginal
its breathtaking ÀUVWWLPHKHZDVDZKLWHER\LQDPRVW-
nary disease (COPD), lung cancer, and
green spaces severe lower respiratory infections
community. At and
schoolclean air in remote
he learned about ly whitechildren.
among school. He had to rethink what
areas, the country tops the list in terms of
the pollution
air local culture and aboriginal
worldwide. Like hisbeliefs
other it meant to be a minority and what it
school friends, Saqib used to have Saqib completed his secondary and inter-
such as the Rainbow Serpent or Dream- meant tostudies
mediate belong.
in aThis change(religious
madrasah helped
severe respiratory problems due to
time. Hefumes
noxious became andfast friends with
malodorous the
smells school),
shape hiswhere
faith he
andlearned
identitytheand
impor-
laid
from nearby factories. Common diseas- tance of tree plantation and preserving
children in the village who quickly wel- the foundation for his work in intercul-
comed him into their community. tural dialogue.
 HH EE RR OO EE SS oo ff AD LI -A ML IO ZG AU NE HH EE RR O
O EE SS oo ff A IL A- M
D L OI ZG AU NE

28 29
28 SaqibFeast
The noticed
hasthat most thousands
helped people wereof
unaware
young of the
people Saqib completed
“Trying to workhis Hearing,
Islam and Asking, and Responsibility,"
Climate Telling). He hopeshe 29
realized that it was high time to put all
damage they were causing to the environment. secondary and The Feast’s work
the learning in the UKHis
into practice. and CHAT’s
studies at
in the UK start their own interfaith journeys. out the balance
intermediate studies HBKUininspired
work Australiahimwilltostrengthen
become an active
minority
agent of change. A Quranic verse was
between Christians,
in a madrasah communities
exceptionallyand encourage
conducive the majority
in this regard,
(religious Sikhs,
Muslims, school), where Allah says:
WRVWDQGXSIRUWKHLUQHLJKERXUVDQGÀJKW
After university andfrom
the environment nearlyan10 Islamic
years people inproductivity.
reduced the UK start Saqib
their own
seesinterfaith
this as where he learned “Whoever
against saves a life is as though
prejudice.
perspective. One hadith touched his one of the most pressing challenges in and Hindus in of
the importance he has saved all mankind."
spent running
heart so youth wherein
profoundly, camps intheAustralia,
Prophet journeys.
his Small group activities like mov-
country. (Al-Ma‛idah: 32)
(PBUH)
Tim said: about The Feast, a Chris-
learned ie and sports nights, weekend adventure tree plantationwas
Birmingham and Tim is already teaching his own children
tian
Other environmental issues that need preserving
the the of our
real start
"Al Mizan" aims to pinpoint the most vital
to show ofrespect andconcerning
understanding for
“If charity
the finalin the
hourUKcomes
that encourages
while you camps, attention
urgent photography courses, and
in Bangladesh even
include aspects our faith legisla-
young people from different and
have a plant in your hand it is
religious water pollution
stand-up comedyandhelpdeforestation. Saqib
build these bridges.
environment from tion, regulations,
other religions andconservation
cultures. practices,
possible to plant it before the hour believes that although the government interfaith
an Islamic journey.” policies, and activism, so that we can
backgrounds
comes, you and cultures
should planttoit.”
create new has strict laws and policies to reduce air begin to take appropriate steps to
perspective. restore the balance son
(mīzān)
friendships through dialogue. and
“Any water
activitypollution,
we thought people
wouldare
be not
fun “My nine-year-old was that
bornweinhave
Bir-
This utterance of the Prophet (PBUH) laid living up to them because the impulse is breached. On a personal level, Saqib
the very foundation of his passion for the became
not coming an from
opportunity to The
their heart. beginroota mingham.
wants to Now backan
launch in Brisbane, he’s ex-
online learning
protection of nature. Saqib believes that cause, according to Saqib, is the lack of platform to assist young people in devel-
His
Allahfamily had been
has created looking
all things for new
in appropri- conversation and
consciousness andtoseriousness
ask questions that
among ItFeast sparked athat
is undeniable deeper interestMother
our beloved in their cited
opingtothe understand
awarenessaboriginal ethnicities
to take action. As a
ate proportions
cultural and measures
opportunities and TheandFeast has the
wouldpeople
start aand only knowledge
dialogue,” and
Tim said. “We Earth is craving our mercy and in Australia.
first He’squest,
step in this starting
he to
is work out who
now translat-
commanded us not to transgress awareness can bring about change. beliefs and identities and inspired them
compassion. Saqib feels that having a ing "Al-Mizan: A Covenant for the Earth"
VHHPHG
balance.OLNH Dinspired
He is SHUIHFW by
ÀWa6R LQ 
verse from reached out to churches, mosques, gurd- sense of prayers
to lead compassion andmosque.
at their empathy is the he
intois his
in the world
native and to care
language. Saqibforbelieves
others.
the Quran in which Allah states:
they packed their bags and moved Many
waras,people are unaware
and schools. We’d askthatquestions
climate most necessary thing to preserve the it issoa special
It’s moral responsibility for a like
to watch him grow human
this
change is happening and that future environment and restore it to its original being to respect and care for the earth's
“He hastheraised
around world upto the heaven
a mostly and
Muslim like, ‘How does
generations your
are on the family
brink ofcelebrate
the most state,
Ratherwhich
than istrying
only achievable
to change through
people’s and
health follow
and our lead,”
to take partheinsaid.
environmental
has set a balance that you may not hazardous crisis. Allah says in the proper knowledge and collective stewardship by embracing an ecological-
community
transgressin in
Birmingham.
the balance. There- and teach faith?’ or ‘What does prayer
Quran: beliefs or avoiding real differences, The
consciousness. ly responsible lifestyle and encouraging
fore, establish weights in justice look like?’ It was an opportunity to talk, )HDVW HQJDJHV LQ GLIÀFXOW FRQYHUVDWLRQV others to do so as well.
and do not make the balance defi- "Whatever hardship or affliction After completing a bachelor's degree in
“Trying
cient.” to(Ar-Rahman:
work out the balance
9) between listen, and
befalls learn.”
you, is the result of your ZLWKRXWÀJKWVEUHDNLQJRXW
Political Science and International
Christians, Muslims, Sikhs, and Hindus in own deeds." (Ash-Shura: 30) Relations and a master's degree in
Saqib noticed that most people were Human Rights and Politics, Saqib started
Birmingham
unaware of the wasdamage
the real they
startwere
of our in-
caus- 7LPorder
In ZDV GRXEWIXO DW ÀUVW
to combat EXW VRRQ
climate VDZ
change, a“We’ve
secondworked
master's in aIslam
with wideand Global
spectrum of
ing to the
terfaith environment.
journey,” According
Tim said. “Living to the
there Saqib believes
that these a hadith helped
conversations can bekidsincredi-
think Affairs at Hamad Bin Khalifa University
World Health Organization (WHO), air bly effective at igniting a strong drive Christian,It Muslim,
(HBKU). was atSikh,HBKUHindu, and his
where Hu-
helped
pollutionmyis family build for
responsible friendships
the deathswith
of through rewilding
towards their beliefs and get
the planet. ThetoProph-
know passion turned into activism.
manist communities. Everyone,Henogot the
matter
more than 108,000 people in Bangla- et (PBUH) said: opportunity to meet brilliant minds from
our
deshneighbours and strengthened
annually. Additionally, my
air pollution more about themselves and each other. their
all faith story,
around is treated
the world. Afterwith real dig-
a thorough
has apromoting
work significant financial
dialogue impact.
among teens.It "Be merciful to those on Earth and reading of "Al-Mizan: A Covenant for Tim is a
affects overall economic production and the One in heaven will have mercy nity,” Tim said.
the Earth" and attending a two-day
ItGross
also Domestic
challengedProduct
and helped
(GDP)my own
growth He remembers
upon you.” one group of Muslim boys Khan Muhammad
panel discussion on "Call for Al Mizan: Christian
through increased
Christian faith comehealth
alive.” spending and who seemed as if they didn’t care much An Nazmus Saqib is
Tim moved back to Australia in 2017, us- from Australia
from Bangladesh
about their religion. Meeting Christians ing his experience with The Feast with a
The Feast has helped thousands of young and talking about Islam through The new programme called CHAT (Cultural
 HH E E R R OO E E S S oof f A D L I - AML I OZ GA UN E H E R O E S o f D I A L O G U E

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3030 31

MERCIES ARE
COMPASSION
RENEWED
WITHOUTEVERY
MORNING:
BORDERSGOD IS
MERCIFUL
Mridul UpadhyayAL-REEM was born AL-ALI in a small village
in North India. Raised Hindu, his first real chance
to connect with Muslims came when he left home
“God‛s mercy encompasses all things.” – This is a quote that Al-Reem strongly
believes in. for
She takes
Newreaders
Delhi,onIndia’s
a journey vibrant
with her to capital.
refugee camps where
she learned the value of mercy, kindness and compassion. This encouraged her
to contribute more to improve the livelihoods of refugees around the world.

I
was 17 and went from having no Mus- Mridul was curious about his new friends.
lim friends to living in a hostel with He studied the Quran and fasted with
Bornmostly Muslim
in Doha, students
Qatar, and always
Al-Reem attend- them
would during
do herRamadan to learn
best to help more
such
dreamed of working abroad. While vulnerable people. With the current
ing a university
studying where degree
her bachelor’s nearly all
sheofwas
the about their beliefs and cultures. These
refugee crisis, everyone, who is able to,
interested in the research area of
WHDFKHUVZHUH0XVOLP7KDWZDVWKHÀUVW experiences only them.
needs to support madeFortunately,
his curiosity
her
humanitarian crisis and history. She read job offered her the opportunity to do so.
time Ibooks
many startedand
learning about
searched for other
imagesre- grow.
Once Heshejoinedgraduated
an interfaith youth
from forum
her
and
ligionsvideos of power
and the refugees in camps,
of interfaith dia- bachelor’s
where he metdegree,
Bahá’í,she startedChristian,
Buddhist, working
displaced from their homes. She told as a Humanitarian Aid Officer.
logue,”that
herself he remembers.
once she was older, she Jain and Sikh students and started volun-
 HH EE RR OO EE SS oo ff AD LI -A ML IO Z G A U N E H E R
H E R O
O E
E S
S o
o f
f A
D LI A
- M I ZG AU NE
L O

32
32 teering at an interfaith camp. their identities and stop intolerance and Al-Reembecause
“...just was raised
two their trips and to discuss how their expe- 33
33
Al-Reem was raised in a Muslim One
hate day, her often
speech, dreamthrough
came true and
social she
media in a Muslimare divided
countries riences across the border changed their
household and Islam plays a huge role got the chance to travel abroad to a
in hernew
Each daily activitiesheand
connection choices.
made helpedIslam
him country that hosts refugees. During her
campaigns. household and Islam perspectives in positive ways.
teaches Muslims to always be kind,
break
one month stay, she visited a certain by
playsreligion
a hugedoes not
role in
giving down
and oldmerciful
biases, but he still one
towards felt refugee camp daily. But the first time
another. The
something Prophet
holding him Mohamed,
back. Therepeace
was she stepped
In 2018, foot
Mridul in it,false
heard she rumours
thoughtthat to her daily
mean activities
that there YfPI is now working with government
be upon him (PBUH) said:
an elephant in the room.
herself that refugee camps were only
his university settlements
was teachingcreatedanti-Indian and choices. schools to build new curriculums that will
temporary to should be hatred
“Allah has divided mercy into one provide refugees with immediate
beliefs. He and other alumni knew this aid use interreligious and intercultural dia-
hundred parts; and He retained and protection. Forced to flee their between them”
with were
“We Him ignoring
ninety-nine parts
the fact thatand sent
diversity wasn’t true,
homes, so theyare
refugees joined
oftentogether
left withtolittle
tell logue to promote mutual respect, trust,
down to earth one part. Through to call their own. Lacking food, clean
VRPHWLPHV
this one OHDGV
part WR FRQÁLFW :H
creatures ZHUHQ·W
deal with the facts.
water, clothing and proper hygiene and love. Mridul hopes this will lead to
one another
talking with
about the compassion,
prejudices that canso supplies. Refugee children and their more cross-cultural exchanges before
much so that an animal lifts its hoof families are vulnerable to disease and
arise,” he said.
over its young“If lest
we want to promote
it should hurt “We created an online campaign to de-
abuse. important for trip,
Following her us toAl-Reem
dialogue
now with each
strongly students reach university -- the kind of
it.”
peace and coexistence, we need to en- fend the university and its teachers, pub- believes
other that
using people dobelief
faith-based reallysystems
care for
to powerful experiences he wishes he could
When she reached her destination, she one another and want to help each
JDJHLQWKHVHGLIÀFXOWFRQYHUVDWLRQVµ
Another Prophetic narration from the lishing
was articles and
pleasantly personal
surprised to stories about
find that the bring
other these
out, diverse communities
all thanks to God’s together.”
mercy. have had as a child.
Messenger of Allah (PBUH) is: camp is unlike any other refugee camp What she observed encouraged her to
how we as Hindus had studied there and
in the world. It was run by the host contribute even more to the refugee
"Allah co-founded
Mridul has one hundred mercies,
Youth for Peace out
In- country
had always and thefeltstaff
safewere
andgovernment
welcome,” community
YfPI in order
recently to provide
ran an online them with
dialogue “I want to bring communities together,” he
of which He has sent down only one employees, allowing international access to health facilities, schools, and
ternational
for jinn,(YfPI) in 2015 to
mankind, do just that.
animals and Mridul remembers.
donations to reach the refugees and campaign
economic called “Guftagu” (Urdu
empowerment for
training tells anyone who will listen. “I want to pro-
insects, through which they love
The network of young peacebuilders uses one improve their quality of life. The Prophet centers for a better
“Conversation”) quality ofPakistanis
encouraging life. The mote peace and coexistence so we can all
another and have compassion for Muhammad (PBUH) said: Prophet Mohamed, (PBUH) said:
interreligious
one another; andandintercultural
through dialogue
it, wild 7KH <I3, WHDP XVHG WKHLU RIÀFLDO )DFH- and North Indians, who share a similar have a little more tolerance for one anoth-
animals care for their young. Allah “Who “Every good deed is Charity.”
to bring diverse communities together, book is not merciful
page to others,
and personal pageswillto culture, to post photos and examples of er, and maybe even compassion.”
has retained ninety-nine mercies to not be treated mercifully.”
deal kindly
break with His and
down prejudices, slaves on the
prevent vi- spread these positive messages to thou- their favourite foods, clothes, music, poet-
Day of Resurrection."
olent extremism. They talk openly about sands of followers, helping stop the mis- ry, and festivals.
information.
“We wanted to show that just because
YfPI created similar campaigns to cor- the two countries are divided by religion
Al-Reem
“If we wantnowto
strongly peace
believes rect hateful stories that divide Hindus does not mean that there should be ha-
promote and Muslims and increase tensions with tred between them,” Mridul said.
that people do really Al-Reem Al-Ali is
and
carecoexistence,
for one neighbouring Pakistan, a mostly Mus- from Qatar
Mridul is a
another
we need andto want lim country. Another YfPI campaign encouraged young Hindu from
to help each other Indians and Pakistanis who have visited New Delhi, India
engage in difficult
out, all thanks to ´7KHURRWVRIFRQÁLFWDQGKDWHRIWHQOLHLQ each other’s countries to share some of
God’s mercy.
conversations.” bias and ignorance,” Mridul believes. “It’s the fears and prejudices they held before
 HH E E R R OO E E S S oof f A D L I - AML I OZ GA UN E H E R O E S o f D I A L O G U E

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3434 35

SHADOW
THEIS OUR
CADEAU (GIFT)
FUTURE IS
IN OUR HANDS
PLANT A TREE TO SUSTAIN NATURE'S MIZAN

ABDERRAZZAK MESSAOUDI
Myo Htut
Trees grew
are an up benefit
incredible in Myanmar
and sourcesurrounded
of life to all livingby religious
creatures in the
planet. This is why Abderrazzak made it his mission to plant trees around the
diversity.
world. He isIn both his
determined hometown
to contribute Mawlamyine
to society by providing and in
a gift of
“shadow” to his community. Read on to learn more about this gift.
Yangon where he studies, Buddhist pagodas, Hindu
temples, churches, and mosques all sit side-by-side.

M
The activist
yo Htut Abderrazzak
has always was
loved22thisyears
mix effectsbyofsaying
down climate
we change and
should all haveurged
the
old when he saw snow in his small people to take action. For Abderrazzak,
Oasis. of
All cultures and of
the people encourages other
his community, right to express
this was our own
a turning pointbeliefs,” Myo
or “climate
including him, to
people were delighted,
view diversityexcept
not asfora epiphany”
Htut said. as he often describes it.
a small portion of the highly educated
recipe
who sawfor this
trouble
as abut as an
threat opportunity
rather than a As Abderrazzak tried to raise his
for dialogue.
blessing. To engage and mobilize His love for peacebuilding
awareness about climateis change,
much need-he
people, they pointed out that, in this contrasted the past and present of
ed in Myanmar. As the country opens up
case, looks are deceiving and that this, Oasis. Once he had his climate
“When
indeed, weis a have
curse heated discussions
in disguise. They after yearsthe
epiphany, of impact
strict military
climaterule, new
change
highlighted the potentially catastrophic
about our religions, I try to calm people has had over the years became
freedoms have brought new challeng-evident,
 H HE ER RO OE ES S o of f A DL I- AM LI Z
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36
36 es.
andTensions
he beganbetween religious
trying to grasp theandextent
eth- Most people in One
Identification." Myanmar are Buddhist,
thousand plants A few years
“Being later,was
different Abderrazzak and some
an insecurity of
thing 37
37
of the damage. Green areas
nic minorities that once simmered below were were distributed to the community
and some view the country’s religious mi- his friends decided to take action. They
greatly reduced; some animals, such as members. With this, people were for me, aBridge
source of fear, but now I see it
the
deer,surface
have now boil over
become online
extinct, andasothers
hate norities
informedwiththatfear
BAEDor had
hatred.
beenMyo Htut,
founded founded Association for Environment
are prone
speech and to extinction
fake due to
news spread climate
across so- and was
who the raised
plant Buddhist
was thebutassociation’s
now consid- anda Development
as positive part(BAED) in 2013.
of my identity.”
change, desertification, and drought. “Cadeau (gift) to get Shadow.” The
cial media. ers himself
project a “spiritual
yielded successseeker”,
becauseuses
of in-
its
Abderrazzak firmly believes that positive impact on the people, especially
terreligious dialogue skills to help others
“sharing is caring.” His concern for the after reminding them of the Prophet's
Myo Htut saw
community these tensions
compelled him to rising
try up
to recognise the important contributions mi-
(PBUH) hadith: FRQÀGHQFH
number of DQG
treesKHOSHG KLP DFFHSW
as a small amount, RWKHUV
but the
focusHour comes,
of future you should
workshops plant it."
to include sen-
engage people in the fight
among his own friends and decided to against norities make to Myanmar society. itasiswell
a major win for the association given
as himself. sitive topics beyond religion and ethnicity
climate change. He believes that "There is none amongst the Muslims that no financial support was provided. Most people derive significant benefits
take action.
changing Afteris attending
minds where it alla starts,
KAICIID-
so who plants a tree or sows seeds, and The association members believed in the in order
from to help
a world Myanmar’s
with beautiful next genera-
nature, and
he focused
Scouts his initial
Dialogue for efforts
Peace on raising
Facilitator then areligion
“Each bird, or a person
contains or an
positive animal
elements. motto
“Being"Start Smallwas
different to Grow Bigger." thing
an insecurity Due abundant fruits and vegetables
tion live in greater harmony. that do
awareness through sharing information eats from it but is regarded as a to this initiative, all the volunteers not fall like manna from heaven; they
Training in 2018,
about climate he designed a series
change. If we focus on
charitable these
gift for good
him." things, we can for me, asaying
enjoyed source“Hi”
of fear, but now
to nature, andI see
the must be planted and protected by each
of youth dialogue workshops to promote live peacefully,” he believes. “I have Mus- community got more “shadow.”
it as a positive part of my identity,” he generation.
“To understandTherefore,
ourselves and individuals
live in
The task was not easy because of some In 2019, Abderrazzak’s association should have a moral responsibility to
harmony among students at his university
deep-rooted fossilized cultural and
lim friends, and we have a good rela-
launched the second environmental civic
said.project
The “If we can
"TenbeFingers,
good to Ten
otherPlants
people,
to peace, wetheir
contribute needfairtoshare
understand other
to sustaining
and high school
religious studentsdue
beliefs back home.
to the tionship
project, because, despite
"Five Fingers, ourPlants
Five differences,
to Say Embrace
we can be Nature" is similar
good to ourselves to the
as well.” mizan/equilibrium
people and view things on which thetheir
from safety of
per-
misunderstanding of some Quranic High5 to theeach
Environment.” This initiative previous project. However, this project human life depends. So, plant with
we respect other’s identities.” differs in the scope, range, and number spectives,”
"Bridge he said. for
Association “Dialogue can help
Environment and
verses. For example, Allah states in the persuaded 41 volunteers to take action
The workshops help teens create safe
Quran: by planting five trees. The project aimed of
Myotrees.
Htut BAED is convincing
has taken people,
this philosophy on- Development"
us do that.” to increase the shadow
to create including anyone reading this, and maintain Nature's
spaces where they can talk about sen- Myo Htut istwo green areas
a minority (as anin ethnic
the Oasis,
Mon) line, using social
regardless of media
their togeographical
promote in- mizan/equilibrium.
"Nothing will happen to us except one in a public space close to the local
sitive
what issues
Allah and share their
has decreed forown
us; expe-
He is and appreciates
mosque and the this mutual
other respect.
close toLead-
the location,
terreligiouscultural background,
and intercultural and
dialogue,
our Protector." (At-Tawbah: 52) community graveyard. Every volunteer religious beliefs to participate.
riences and identities. Groups come to- ing these dialogue workshops has built his body positivity, and gender rights. He
planted five plants resulting in a total of
gether for states
Allah also dialogue rather
in the than debate
Quran: 205 plants. Some people might see this also posts
The about Myanmar’s
association's food,
principles in which
this
and learn important tools and skills for campaign are based on Edward Lorenz's
he celebrates as a window into the coun-
“When Allah intends, He says, ‘Be!‛ famous thought, "a butterfly flapping its
good Abderrazzak
“I have Muslimfirmly try’s diverse cultures
couldand a delicious way
And itcommunication.
is.” (Ya-sin: 82) wings in Brazil ultimately produce
believes that
friends, and we a tornado
to bring in Texas.”
people together.They are also
A few years later, Abderrazzak and some
´<RXQJHUSHRSOHDUHRIWHQWKHPRVWÁH[- “sharing is caring.” inspired by the Prophet's hadith (PBUH):
of his friends decided to take action. have a good
His concern for the "If the Final
They open-minded,
ible, founded Bridge and Association for
effective in di- His dream is toHour comes
become whileschool
a high you
Environment and Development (BAED) community
relationship have a shoot of a plant in your hands
alogue,” Myo Htut believes. “They can WHDFKHUEDFNLQ0DZODP\LQHRQFHKHÀQ-
and it is possible to plant it before
in 2013. As the association chairperson, compelled him to Abderrazzak
communicate
Abderrazzak across cultural,
proposed manyreligious,
civic because, despite
try to engage
ishes university. Because of the city’s di- Myo Htut is a
projects to bring about change in the Messaoudi
Buddhistisfrom
from
DQGHWKQLFOLQHVDQGKHOSXVVWRSÀJKWLQJ versity, he knows his classroom will have
community. people
our in the fight
differences, Morocco
If we want a peaceful situation, we need students from different religious and cul- Yangon, Myanmar
In empower
2016, the
against
we climate
respect each
to theassociation launched
next generation. The fu-its
change. tural backgrounds. He plans to share di-
first civic project, "Plantation is our
ture is in our hands.” other’s identities.” alogue skills with them and expand the
 HH E E R R OO E E S S oof f A D L I - AML I OZ GA UN E H E R O E S o f D I A L O G U E

1438
14 15

OFF THE MAT

MERCY AS FORM OF
AND INTO
LOVE
THE WORLD
FIRDOUS OMAR
Natural disasters continue to impact maternal health.
Many young women are not able to access healthcare
Ganga
facilities Nandini
as a result grew
of extreme upwhile
weather
others are forced to walk distances to find food and
water. between twowhat
Firdous talks about worlds.
she is doing to
tackle this issue.

I
Ffamily
irdous was born
n California, intoshe
where a loving Muslim
was born and purpose always
Nandini of pleasing
lovedAllah and without
celebrating Di-
where Islam played a significant expecting anything in return.
went to school, most people think of
role in her life and continues to do so. She ZDOL ZLWK ÀUHZRUNV
The beloved ProphetDQG +ROL ZLWK UDLQ-
Muhammad, peace
grewyogaup asona relaxing
the notion that routine.
exercise Muslims and blessings
bows of dyed be upon him
powder, but (PBUH) was
something
should be merciful towards each other “more generous than the blowing wind”.
In India,
and where her parents
her understanding are fromis
of “Rahmah” was missing.
In Islam, The holidays
Sadaqah werecalamities,
removes fun, but
giving back she
and where to her
spentcommunity and to
summers, Hindus eases
she hardships
wanted and creates
to explore balance and
her religion on
those around her. In Islam, Muslims are benefits for all of society. Allah states in
practicetoKarma
advised Yoga to help
give Sadaqah, whichmake
is anthe
act DGHHSHUOHYHO$IWHUÀQLVKLQJXQLYHUVLW\
the Quran:
of charity that is given for the sole
world a better place. in California, she packed her bags and
 H
H E
E RR O
O EE SS oo ff AD LI -A M
L IO ZG AU NE HH EE RR OO EE SS oo ff DA IL A- LM OI Z
G AU N
E

40 “You WRwho
ÁHZ have,QGLD
QRUWKHUQ iman (faith);ZLWK
WR FRQQHFW be nally realised
up, that savinggot
Mother Gangain 41
16
upholders of justice, bearing witness
Growing Firdous involved
humanitarian projects. When she was 15,
“We
Theneed to connect
organization, with
“Save our common
Mamma”, aims to 17
her
for
roots.
Allah alone, even against would
she andtakeher
a lifetime
friendsofraised
service.funds and improve the maternal mortality rate in
yourselves or your parents and collected food to distribute in different
humanity and celebrate its rich diversity
relatives. Whether they are rich or children’s homes. Her love for giving
Mandera County through the enhancement of
Along this is
poor, Allah spiritual
able to journey Nandini
look after them. Ten
backyears
to alater, Nandini
society that isnurtured
still in Rishi-
grew
for harmony
prenatal to flow freely.”
and post-natal services in the
Do not follow your own desires and
came to Rishikesh, a beautiful city where louder and after high school, she
NHVK ÀJKWLQJ IRU *DQJD·V OLIH 6KH KDV was county.
deviate from the truth.” (An-Nisa: able to start up a community-based
“Mother
135) Ganga” (the holy Ganges Riv- also been givenwith
organization the new
her namefamily.GangaThe
HUÁRZVLF\DQGFOHDQIURPWKH+LPD- Nandini. She works with Bahá’í, Buddhist,to
organization, “Save Mamma”, aims park” and eco-friendly café at a major ULFKGLYHUVLW\IRUKDUPRQ\WRÁRZIUHHO\µ
Firdous’s parents and grandparents improve the maternal mortality rate in
layan
taughtMountains. There
her that she she met
should people
always give Christian,
Mandera Hindu, Jain, Muslim,
County through and Sikhthe Hindu festival where visitors could take
from what she has and show Rahmah to enhancement of prenatal and post-natal VHOÀHVDQGGULQNWHDZKLOHVLWWLQJRQGHF- Since arriving in Rishikesh, Nandini has
from
othersallaround
over the
her.world
Rahmah whoishad comein
a value communities
services in thetocounty.
help make
Mandera water wasclean
miles
Islam,
to learnwhich
moretranslates
about yoga to mercy. There
and Hindu- away, however present
and safe around the world. in their hearts. The orated toilet seats. taken her yoga practice “off the mat and
are many examples of Allah’s mercy in love and care her family have for her
LVP
Islam.UHFRQQHFW ZLWK QDWXUH
The following Hadith DQG UHÁHFW
narrated by people continue to motivate Firdous to impact maternal health. Many young into theand
Women world” to serve
mothers others,
are the bringing
backbone
Abu Huraira (R.A) is an
on their place in the universe. exceptional help of
One those
theinbest
her ways
motherland.
to improve water women would
“People are not goable to access
to temples, takehealth-
a holy of her
any closer
society to
andHinduism,
the care and support
India, Mother
example of Rahmah in Islam: care facilities as a result of extreme people receive from their mothers
quality is for people
After graduating from to
heruse toilets, but
undergraduate VZLP
weather DQG WKHQ
while FRPH
others areWDNH VHOÀHV
forced DQG
to walk Ganga,
needs to beand even and
valued herself.
appreciated.
‘I heard
One evening,the
whileProphet
singing andMuhammad
praying degree in Global Health, she joined a distances
hang out attoourfind food
toilet and
café,” water.said.
Nandini Air
(PBUH) saying “Allah divided Mercy talking
profound about themprogram
Master’s can be inembarrass-
Islam and pollution and extreme temperatures
into one-hundred
with friends along parts and He kept
the riverbank, Nan-its ing. After India’s government put Master’s
Global Affairs. During her millions “It was amaternal
threaten huge success.
healthWe andput posters
pregnan- “This work has given me a deep sense of
ninety-nine parts with Him and sent degree, she shifted her focus from not cy outcomes.
on the walls withFirdous is nowtoilet
different planning
tech-
dini
downmet itsa one
wise part
and holy
on themanearth,
who toldand of
onlynewmaternal
toilets around
healththebutcountry
also and
how to introduce elements of environmental
PHDQLQJ DQG IXOÀOPHQW 7KH VPDOO ZD\V
because of that, its one single part,
her that the river she had fallen in love environmental health plays a significant
people still weren’t using them, Nandini health in
nologies her projects
so people could seewith how toSave
im- I’m able to help others is actually making
His creations are Merciful to each role in women in Mandera County, where Mamma. In Islam, mothers are held in
with
other,andso that
that feeds so many
even the mare Indians
lifts up had an idea.
droughts andShe helped
famine areset up a “toilet
currently pres- prove sanitation
very high esteem.and Thebe inspired
Prophet to live
Muham- a big change in so many ways I can see...
its hoofs away from its baby
was polluted and struggling to surviveanimal, ent. These natural disasters continue to mad (PBUH)
more said:
sustainably.” and so many ways I can’t.”
lest it should trample on it.”‛- Bukhari
downstream.
This ethos has also been discussed in Al Firdous
One got
evening “Your Heaven lies under
Nandini inspires religious leaders and
Mizan, covenant for the earth. This involved met
Nandini involved
a the feet of your
document presents an Islamic outlookwithof school children of different faiths to talk
“I felt a deep energetic connection
the environment in a bid to strengthen in humanitarian mother.”
WKH ULYHU ,W ZDVand
PRUHinternational
WKDQ MXVW D ÁRZ- wise and When
holy about these issues within their communi-
local, regional, action projects.
that combat climate change and
ing body of water, it felt like I had come other ties and to become part of the solution.
threats to the planet. In this covenant they she was
man who15,told
she her
home,” she remembers. “When he asked
state that: and her friends
for help conserving Ganga, I immediate- that the river she
raised funds and “Harmony and interreligious dialogue
“like the praise of God, shukr is felt in
the
ly heart
raised myand expressed by the lips,
hand.” collected
had fallenfood to
in love DUH OLNH WKH ULYHU·V ÁRZµ VKH EHOLHYHV Firdous Omar is
but it needs also to be expressed by Ganga Nandini is
distribute from Kenya
was in
the limbs, in doing good works
“Discrimination, stereotypes, and our lim-
(as-sālihāt) andshe
in would
utmoststay
good
with polluted Hindu and from
Nandini thought and(ihsān)
help different ited understanding of ‘the Other’ pol-
toward God‛s creatures.” and struggling Rishikesh, India.
for a few months, but after cancelling her children’s homes. lutes harmony. We need to connect with
ÁLJKWEDFNWR&DOLIRUQLDVL[WLPHVVKHÀ- to survive. our common humanity and celebrate its
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66 CREDITS DISCLAIMER

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