Islam and Oriental Religions An International Conference
New Delhi 20-21 February 2010
Believers in oriental religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism and Jainism etc living in India, China, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Burma, Sri Lanka and Nepal etc, constitute about a half of the world population. A majority of Muslims outside “Muslim” countries live among these communities while a majority of expatriate workers in Arab countries belong to these religions.
Earlier dialogues have taken place between Islam and Christianity and Judaism. This is a deficiency which should be addressed at the earliest by starting a process of dialogue between Islam and oriental religions for a better understanding and coexistence between Muslims and these vital and vibrant communities and to correct through direct contacts the misgivings they have about each other. It is hoped that this dialogue with be more useful and fruitful than the one held so far with western communities which have a long history of enmity and friction with the Muslim world due to the colonial period, while Asian countries espousing oriental religions do not suffer from such a negative legacy.
It is our considered opinion that such an interaction will ensure economic, social, cultural and political benefits for both the Muslim countries and their immediate neighbours in Asia.
To start this process, a conference will be held in Delhi, capital of a majority of the oriental religions, with a hope that the process will continue with more such conferences and fruitful dialogue for the prosperity and peace of Asia.
The conference will be spread over two days with six sessions. It will have the following tentative programme:
Saturday, 3 October 2009
Openning Session (10 am - 1.30 pm)
Chair: Maulana Muhammad Rabey Hasani Nadwi
Chief Guest: Vice President of India
1. Speech by a Vice President of India [15-30 minutes]
2. Speech by the Head of the Union of Muslim Scholars of his representative [30 minutes]
3. Speech by a top Indian Muslim scholar (Maulana Muhammad Rabey Hasani Nadwi, President, All India Muslim Personal Law Board) [15 minutes]
4. Speech by a top Hindu religious leader [?][15 minutes]
5. Speech by a top Buddhist leader [?][15 minutes]
6. Speech by a top Sikh leader/scholar [Sarna?[15 minutes]
7. Speech by a top Jain leader/scholar [Bal Patil?][15 minutes]
8. Speech by Dr Zafarul-Islam Khan, President, All India Muslim Majlis-e Mushawarat [15 minutes]