Iran Press/Africa: The conference was co-hosted by the Centre for Interreligious and Cultural Dialogue (Iran) and the University of Tehran.Two prominent Iranian scholars, Ayatollah Mahmoud Mohammadi Araghi and Ayatollah Ahmad Moballeghi, both members of the Assembly of Experts, were among the key speakers at the conference.
Their participation underscored the significance of Lady Mary (as) as a common figure of reverence in Islam and Christianity. Ayatollah Mahmoud Mohammadi Araghi opened his presentation, titled "Mariam (as): Lady of Virtue and Dignity," by calling for a moment of silence for the victims of the ongoing conflict in Palestine.
He urged the international community to take note of the suffering caused by what he described as genocide in Palestine. He also emphasized Lady Mary's role as a unifying figure among world religions, quoting verses from the Holy Qur'an to highlight her dignity and piety. "Lady Mariam (as) is a symbol of commonality between religions, revered by all for her faith and purity," Ayatollah Araghi stated.
Ayatollah Ahmad Moballeghi delivered a presentation titled "Lady Mary: A Bridge of Purity and Faith between Islam and Christianity." He portrayed Lady Mary (as) as a timeless symbol of purity, chosen by God for her exemplary qualities.
He emphasized her importance in fostering unity between Islam and Christianity, describing her as "a beacon guiding the righteous to the straight path" and "a celestial figure embodying purity and faith."The conference also featured prominent religious figures, including Cardinal Stephen Brislin, Archbishop of Cape Town; Prof. Terry Sacco, President of St. Augustine College of South Africa; Ghorban Elmi from the University of Tehran; and Abdullah Bayat from the University of the Western Cape.
The interdisciplinary discussions explored Lady Mary's relevance across different religious traditions, including Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam, and her role as a symbol of human dignity and solidarity in the face of violence and injustice.
The conference concluded with a private meeting between the Iranian Cultural Counsellor and Cardinal Brislin. The two discussed the role of religion in addressing global injustices, with a specific focus on the situation in Palestine.
The event was a testament to the unifying power of Lady Mary (as), whose revered status transcends religious boundaries and offers a path toward interfaith understanding and harmony.
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