Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - The study day sponsored by the John Paul II Institute on Marriage and the Family concluded March 12, with a public colloquium on the Islamic and Christian perspectives on the union between man and woman. Presentations were given by Prof. Hmida Ennaifer of the University of Zeituna (Tunis, Tunisia) with the Islamic view, and Prof. Eduardo Ortiz of the University of San Vicente Martir (Valencia, Spain), with the Christian view.
In his opening speech, Monsignor Livio Melina, President of the Pontifical Institute, explained that the event was a symbolic gesture and an intent for mutual understanding, which is among the initiatives for dialogue mentioned in the Letter from the 138 (which later numbered 216) Muslim Scholars to Pope Benedict XVI. This letter presupposes mutual esteem and openness to understanding the other, that is to say, a friendship, a mutual presentation and sincere search for a good life. And where can the basis for a good life be found, if it is not in the primordial relation between man and woman?
In the Islam religion, Prof. Ennaifer said, the family is a matter that many believe has been over-studied and reflected upon, when in reality—especially in recent years—the family has been a very highly discussed and criticized topic. And in the Islam tradition, the family is the essential nucleus of civil life. This characteristic an existing common bond in the dialogue between the two great monotheistic religions. An Islamic marriage is a bilateral contract, however, with its strength based entirely upon a life-giving love. That is why divorce is one of the most abominable acts for Allah. There is no institution of more importance than the family.
All current Islamic studies on the family tend to focus only one the absolute differences, especially in regards to the difference between the two genders and the supremacy of the man over the woman. The dichotomy exists, however in order to understand the concept of love and family in the Islamic world, we need not remain entrenched in the anomalies of our forefathers, but instead deepen our knowledge of our faith, and thus help build “an Islam directed towards peace and progress,” Prof. Ennaifer concluded.
The God of the Judeo-Christian tradition is a God who is not alone. Contrary to what it may seem, He is a “community” of individuals...“a love that unites the persons of the Triune communion,” Prof. Ennaifer explained. In Christian love, the gift of oneself takes center stage, following the example of the One who “having loved those who were His own in the world, loved them until the end” (Jn 13:1). The hope is that this love may remain firm and that it may play an authentic role in the family, because without the family, there is no social order nor common good. (PC) (Agenzia Fides 13/3/2008; righe 36, parole 470)
