From Mr M. Megawer

The media circus surrounding the handful of Muslims who prayed on the Sliema promenade a couple of times was not that newsworthy to be highlighted so extensively, either in a negative or in a positive manner. Fear is not an instinct, like animals protecting their young. It is not inborn, but develops as the human mind starts developing. Why are people afraid of a handful of people with prayer mats who are just interested in praying together and praising God? Why the fear? What is so dangerous about this gathering?

It is similar to the hundreds of Catholic prayer groups that meet in a variety of places, from hotels to residences to halls, to express their religious beliefs. Several journalists, religious and members of the public have written positively but some sections of the media are only interested in highlighting the negative elements. Some even wrote that they could not understand how people of another faith could consider the sight of people praying offensive or deplorable. Another contributor mentioned the fact that these people had adopted and respect our way of life and our laws and, as the law guarantees freedom of worship and freedom of association, then these people were just exerting their rights in a democratic country.

In my opinion, one can judge if a country is democratic by looking at how it treats its minorities. It is true that democracy is based on majority rule but a real democracy respects the rights of the minorities. In fact, the police permit granted to the Muslims to express their fundamental right of freedom of worship was indeed a show of respect towards a minority; there is no doubt that a country like Malta respects the principles of democracy. On the other hand, in some Arab nations, monarchy and republic alike, this would not have been allowed as people live under absolutist, dictatorial regimes with little to no accommodation for democratic ideals, human rights and freedom of expression.

The Maltese Muslim Com-munity is the second largest religious community after the Catholic one. Many Muslims sincerely hope that the majority gives the opportunity and support to the Muslim minority to integrate with the rest of Maltese society notwithstanding their different religious beliefs. A balanced civilization can be reached through the development of religious and cultural dialogue between Islam and Christianity, as Muslims and Christians would largely benefit and encourage each side to respect the other. We also need cultural initiatives to celebrate diversity in all its forms because a society based on diversity is a rich one.

A study published by the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality on religious education in Maltese State schools has highlighted the lack of integration in Malta’s educational system, and the failure to cater for the needs of students from different ethnic and religious minorities. Muslim students attending State schools are not given the chance to follow lessons in Islamic religious education, making it impossible for them to have free schooling that also includes lessons in Islamic religious values. In Malta there is only one private school that offers religious teaching based on Islam, but only a very small minority can afford to send their children to this school.

Inter-religious and inter-cultural dialogue can be enhanced if Muslim and non-Muslim Maltese students are taught from an early age to respect the values, teachings, habits and social customs of both religions. If this happens, together they can consolidate religious tolerance for the benefit of their respective communities, the Maltese people and Malta. The hope of humanity lies in the integration of civilizations not their conflict!

Moustafa Megawer

QAWRA