Iranian ambassador to Kenya calls for faith-based solutions to violent extremism
The ambassador maintains there is a need to explore peace, dialogue and coexistence to promote stability and security through understanding religious ideologies appropriately.
Iranian ambassador to Kenya Ali Gholampour has urged religious thinkers to present faith-based solutions for violent extremist ideologies.
Ali says the currently rising religious animosity in the world is fuelled by conspiracies and vast hidden resources, and can only be solved by demystifying religious philosophies.
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The ambassador maintains there is a need to explore peace, dialogue and coexistence to promote stability and security through understanding religious ideologies appropriately.
Ali said throughout history, misinterpretations of certain Quranic verses have led to the rise of extremist groups.
"War-seeking entities prioritise personal and group interests over collective human welfare. Now, more than ever, we must be vigilant and strive for a correct understanding of religious principles. We must distance ourselves from extremist ideologies and replace conflict with cultural and religious dialogue," he said.
The envoy said isolated verses, taken out of context and devoid of their historical and situational relevance, have been used to justify actions by some groups that tarnish the image of Islam.
These actions, he said, have been widely condemned by Muslim scholars and communities alike.
He spoke Saturday during the Islam and Peace Conference at the Iranian Cultural Council at the Parklands Plaza in Nairobi.
He said divine religions have always recognised the special value and dignity of humanity, considering mankind as the noblest of creations. These religions, he says, lead humanity into goodness.
