In many places in the world, conflicts abound not necessarily on religious ground but on political and socio-economic issues. Unfortunately, the protagonists in these conflicts are portraying them as something which have to do with religion, mainly because, they want to attract more adherent to widen and prolong the theatre of war.

    The three great revealed religions on Earth - Christianity, Judaism, and Islam – are quite clear in their teachings on peace and harmony among mankind. Christians, Jews and Muslims are all God’s creations, brothers of the same origin – from the Prophets Adam and Abraham (may peace be upon them).

    Realities, however, bespeak of man’s conflict against fellow man, notwithstanding the three great revealed religions’ clear-cut teaching on love, peace, and brotherhood. To help address potential causes of conflicts, the Mindanao Research Institute (MRI) has teamed up with the Nadhlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah, the world’s two largest Muslim organizations composed of 50 million and 40 million Indonesians, respectively. The teamwork resulted to the organization of the Center for Moderate Muslims (CMM) in the Philippines.

    Among the efforts being done with constancy are the holding of forums with the ulama (Islamic religious leaders) as organizers during which Islam’s basic teaching on peace, tolerance and moderation are heavily emphasized. MRI attended the October 2003 international ulama forum in Jakarta, Indonesia, followed by another Asian-wide forum in Manila on May 28-30, 2004, co-sponsored by the MRI with Nadhlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah.

    Follow-up forum are now presently planned in the province of Mindanao which show much interest in discussing and facing problems beseting the Islamic World. The fora are aimed at inculcating Islamic tolerance, peace, and moderation – some of the cornerstones of the Muslim faith as contained in the Qur’an and preached by the Prophet Muhammad, Sallallahu Alaihi Wassalam.

    The Manila international ulama forum, aside from the delegates’ recommendations, came out with one equally significant proposal: the creation of a Philippine Council for Christian-Muslim Solidarity as suggested by Defense Undersecretary Edgardo Batenga, a former military general who fought Moro rebels in Mindanao.

    Batenga’s idea was another highlight of the Manila version of the ulama forum participated by Nadhlatul Ulama chairman Dr. Nurul Huda and Muhammadiyah chairman Dr. Tirmizi Taher, among others from the Asian region, including prominent Filipino ulama and prefessionals, as well as government officials. This only shows the desire of all well-meaning personalities to foster unity and brotherhood for all citizens of the world irrespective of religious affiliations.

    “Muslims and Christians are brothers in a global village,” said Taher, a fromer ambassador and minister of religious affairs of Indonesia.

    The government side and the Muslim group have met already and have agreed on constituting the Technical Working Groups (TWGs) that will lay the ground rules for the Council’s establishment. Objectives of the council are to promote co-existence through local and national inter-faith centers; enhance understanding through conference, dialogues, symposia; support Muslim and Christian communities in inculcating good values via education; participate in government and development initiative; harness traditional and social institutions in the community; and strengthen awareness of the people that security and safety are community responsibilities.

    Inha Allah (God willing), with the help of the Almighty Creator, to Whom all seek blessing, mercy, forgiveness, and protection from the Hellfire, we shall be able to achieve a strong Philippine Republic through unity, solidarity, and harmony!