Davao Muslims, Christians, other believers talk about harmony, peace

Today how can we make harmony a possibility?

This has been the question asked to people of different beliefs during the interfaith forum on harmony, February 4, at the Bishops-Ulama Conference (BUC) Center, Matina, Davao City.

Organized by BUC, the forum was graced by two speakers, Datu Mossulini Sinsuat Lidasan, the Director fo the Al Qalam Institute of the Ateneo de Davao University and Fr. Hermes Larry Sabud, SM, professor of St. Alphonsus Theologate and Missionary Institute in Bajada, Davao City who talked about harmony in Muslim and Christian perspectives respectively.

In his talk, Fr. Sabud said harmony is possible if people are willing to listen as harmony demands listening.

He added harmony is also possible if people learn how to be connected with one’s self, others, nature and God.

For Datu Lidasan, love of God and love of neighbor is a common commandment in Islam and Christianity.

He added just like what Christianity teaches about mercy, in Islam, mercy is innate.

“Allah’s message is for us to be compassionate to our humankind. As a Filipino Muslim, we engage dialogue with our Christian brothers and sisters,” Datu Lidasan said.

He added that the visit of Pope Francis to the Philippines last January 2015 is an opportunity for dialogue with fellow brothers and sisters.

The interfaith forum on harmony is part of the week-long celebration of the World Interfaith Harmony Week last February 1-7, in Davao City.

People from different religious denominations, military, police and other sectors gathered during the celebration which was culminated with the Harmony Walk in People’s Park in Camus St., Davao City last February 6.