Letters | Time for ubuntu
I appeal to religious leaders of all faiths to pray for peace and use their influence to promote compassion, justice and reconciliation.
The world is facing a period of growing conflict and division. Wars, occupation, political tensions, economic hardship and social unrest are threatening human rights and dignity, social justice, peace and stability across many nations.
At the same time, intolerance, prejudice, dispossession, subjugation and hostility towards vulnerable communities continue to undermine human dignity.
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I appeal to religious leaders of all faiths to pray for peace and use their influence to promote compassion, justice and reconciliation.
Whether Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Sikh, or from any other faith or tradition, we share a responsibility to guide humanity away from hatred and towards mutual respect and understanding.
I urge religious leaders to pray for peace, to guide their communities towards harmony and to stand united against hatred, violence, xenophobia, Afrophobia and division.
South Africa is not exempt from these challenges.
The growing hostility directed at immigrants and foreign nationals is a cause for serious concern.
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No person should be threatened or blamed because of their nationality, ethnicity or place of birth.
Such actions betray the values of humanity, compassion, justice, and ubuntu that should define our society.
Religious leaders must speak with one voice against all forms of hatred, discrimination, and violence, and condemn the dangerous rhetoric that fuels xenophobia, Afrophobia, intolerance and conflict.
Their voices should serve as a beacon for peace, justice, compassion and human dignity and rights.
They should encourage their congregations to protect the vulnerable, uphold the dignity of all, and reject those who seek to sow fear and division.
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Beyond prayer, faith communities should actively foster unity and solidarity, bringing people together across cultural, national and religious lines.
We must reaffirm our common humanity and our shared destiny.
Let us pray that God Almighty grants wisdom to world leaders, softens hardened hearts, calms the tensions that divide nations and communities, and steers humanity towards justice, fairness, human rights and lasting peace.
May God Almighty have mercy upon the world and bless humanity with enduring guidance, grace and peace.
Mohamed Saeed, Pietermaritzburg
