RESOLUTIONS

This seminar of Islamic leaders and Buddhist monks from Saudi Arabia, Singapore, China, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam , Ireland and Morocco held at Jamiyah Singapore from 24-25 Zulkaedah 1429 H/ 22-23 November 2008 discussed and deliberated on the importance of continuous dialogue between the religious leaders and followers of these two fastest growing faiths and acknowledged that unless and until both religious groupings focus more on the similarities and common values, the differences in opinions and ideologies will be good grounds for resentment and misunderstanding to erupt in the future. This must be avoided by understanding the beauty of the teachings of these two religions and embarking on educational and awareness programmes in a more organized way !

The gathering noted that the differences should not be the reasons for followers of both faith, and for that matter, other faiths not to respect one another. In fact on the contrary the followers must endeavor to correct any misperception that may prevail or any distortion of facts about other religions that may arise.

Having taken into consideration these salient points, the participants of the 2 -Day seminar on Harmony, Peace and Universal Values: Islamic and Buddhist  Perspective that took place in the Headquarter of Jamiyah Singapore from 24-25 Zulkaedah 1429 H/ 22-23 November 2008 hereby resolved that:

1   The Muslims and Buddhists have many overlapping noble values and traditions that complement the beliefs of each other. These common values should be profoundly explained to the respective followers so that there will be greater appreciation and understanding. Better still if these could result in initiatives that strengthen the trust between these two religions

2   To the Muslims Islam is a way of life and likewise to the Buddhists. Both religions emphasize that they reinforce the truth and nothing but noble truth. Despite this fundamental point the matter can be distorted by unscrupulous individuals who may want to exert their own views and thoughts. The two religions must be safe-guarded against this by embarking on more planned and orderly programs to promote religious tolerance and forbearance. The programs should have three phases i.e immediate, short-term and long-term range.

3   According to Islamic and Buddhist’s analysis of human situations, although problems may have local or global dimensions, they are fundamentally and basically human problems. Muslims also acknowledge that human beings are the servants of God, they therefore need to be treated with respect and there should not exist at all any ill treatment or unfairness whatsoever.  In fact Islam emphasizes that all human beings are brothers from “ Adam”. It has been reiterated that Islam emphasizes that all men and women are sons and daughters of Adam and Eve, therefore, are brothers and sisters of one another, irrespective of differences in race , creed, language or places of living. Therefore, we must be free from practicing extremism, fanaticism, violence, hatred and suspicion towards one another. We should always focus on better inter-faith cooperation based on common values shared by all.

4   The 2-day seminar also noted that there is need to use the advanced technological communications and information dissemination approach to counter any attempt by any irresponsible parties at distorting information and misleading people for reasons they know best.

5   Hereby resolved that the seminar endorses the points stated and agreed collectively to make such a seminar a regular event so as to work towards inter-cultural, interfaith and harmony in the interest of promoting durable and lasting peace. The seminar also place on record the appreciation of the representatives present with the initiative of Jamiyah Singapore, Singapore Buddhist Lodge and the International  Islamic Forum for Dialogue, Saudi Arabia  for organizing this seminar.

6   The delegates of the seminar convey their special thanks to the Guest of Honour Mr. Hawazi Daipi, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Manpower and Ministry of Health who had officially opened the seminar on 22^nd November 2008 and also to the Government of Singapore for their support and cooperation for this seminar.

7   A special note of thanks to all the prominent guests present particularly Prof Dr.Hamid Bin Ahmad Al Rifaie, President, International Islamic Forum, Saudi Arabia, Mr Lee Bock Guan, President of the Singapore Buddhist Lodge, Haji Abu Bakar Maidin, President of Jamiyah Singapore , the respectful Islamic scholars and Buddhist venerables and seminar participants.

8   The participants would also like to express their appreciation and support to the initiative of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdel Aziz regarding the dialogue and understanding among the followers of different religions and cultures.

True to the spirit of religion, this was a watershed seminar that is hoped to set the pace and pave the way to more such initiatives in the future in the interest of  the entire mankind !

Declaration

25^th Zulkaedah 1429 H/ 23^rd November 2008

The participating delegates of this seminar representing Islamic and Buddhist faiths agree to the following  :

1. Justice, Peace, Cordiality and Mercy are the basis of relationship among the humankind as there is no aggression

2. Respecting of the religious particularities and not violate sanctity of the religious symbols.

3. Establishing principles of competition in achieving good for all people all over the world

4. To work together in implementing joint projects to publish noble values, justice, peace and outstanding deeds of people.

5. To hold meetings, dialogue, seminars, workshops at local , regional and global levels subject to mutual convenience and

6. To organize and conduct education, training and research and publications to promote and achieve the above mentioned objectives. This mission will be carried out on the basis of mutual consultation and agreement among the three parties mentioned above.

7. The participants would also like to express their appreciation and support to the initiative of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdel Aziz regarding the dialogue and understanding among the followers of different religions and cultures