The First Intl. Conference of Imam Reza (AS) and the Interfaith Dialogue kicked off on Jan.
30 in Mashhad with the General Custodian of Astan Quds Razavi (AQR), leaders of the monotheistic religions and religious scientists and scholars from 21 world countries in attendance.
Speaking in the opening ceremony of this two-day conference, Ayatollah Mohammad Hadi Abd Khodaei, a member of the Assembly of Experts and the scientific secretary of the conference, said the essence of belief in God and service to the people of God can be found in all Divine religions.
He added: "We hope the very coalition that is taking place among the religions, will help religion manifest its true face to the people of the world better than before. In this case, the religious values will become palpable because it is through the religious ethics and codes that people can live a wholesome life."
Abd Khodaei went on to say: "The conference, which is being held in the name of Imam Reza (AS), teaches us how to sit together for a dialogue according to the tenets of the Holy Quran and the way of life and conduct of the eighth Shia Imam, to make a safe and sound world free from war and bloodshed."
Speaking next, Hoj. Seyyed Hamid Alavi Aziz, the executive secretary of the conference pointed to unveiling a few books during the conference and said: "These books, titled "The Proceedings of the Conference", "Collection of Abstracts Presented in the Conference", "Affection and Kindness in Islam and Christianity" by Dr. Mohammad Kashani and two books in English on peaceful coexistence of religions and philosophy of Imam Reza (AS) will be unveiled on the sidelines of the conference."
Also Hoj. Hojjat Gonabadinejad, the head of the AQR Cultural Organization, spoke next to say: "This conference includes eight preliminary conferences, four of which will be held inside the country and four others will be held outside the country."
He added: "Imam Reza International University, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Tehran University, University of Religions and Denominations, Islamic Research Foundation of Astan Quds Razavi, Mashhad Seminary School, Al-Zahra University, AQR Center for International Affairs, Al-Mustafa International University, etc. are among the collaborators and scientific contributors to this conference."
Source: Abna24
