Letter To an Islamic Center
September 14. 1993

In the name of God, the Gracious, the Merciful.

Today the world is passing through a phase in which wars and disputes on both local and regional scales threaten global peace. This is because the world has lost much of its sense of justice and replaced it with racism, egotism and fanaticism. As a result of this sad global state, we see the spread of hunger, drug abuse, and the general degradation of society. This situation is further aggravated by the deliberate propagation of corruption in the form of pornography, and the favorable portrayal of characters as acceptable to society despite their evil nature. This condition is described in the Quran in the following words:

Corruption has appeared on land and sea as a result of what the hands of people have earned to let them taste some of that which they have striven for. Perhaps by this they may return to the straight way. T.Q., Sura 30, The Roman Empire, verse 41.

As a result, we find that man stands on the verge of an abyss. However, there remains hope if those among the sincere of mankind led by the men of religion seek a return to the message of the revealed religions, which enjoin justice and benevolence. It is in this way that the weak will find support, the hungry will be fed, and the ignorant among mankind will be educated.

However, if man does not awaken to the reality of his tragic situation, he will allow the world around him to collapse. I see that our religious task is to create an organization representing all the world's major religions run by those who possess open minds. It is this organization that must stand as a vanguard against all oppression and corruption in all their forms, be they political, intellectual or otherwise. I consider it necessary that this organization work in close collaboration with the United Nations to solve the problems that we face in our present-day society, in raising its level and in supporting human rights.

Allah says in the Quran:

.....and help one another in righteousness and piety, and do not help one another to sin and enmity. (inequity and aggression) T.Q., Sura 5, The Table Spread, verse 2.

Allah goes on further to say:

And compete with each other in good deeds. T.Q., Sura 5, The Table Spread, verse 48, (Sura 2, The Cow, verse 148).

I pray to Allah that He favor this work and guard it with His providence. How beautiful it would be to see the men of religion coming together in the form of this organization supporting each other in what will benefit all mankind.

Peace be upon you.