 The Youth group of IID, "Iran Youth for Peace and Interreligious Dialogue," was formed in 2005 with the aim of having young people acquainted with different religions in order to improve the spirituality among them and to benefit from common spiritual values, values that can confront and quell the social conflicts among young people. The other objectives of this group can be mentioned as: creating a culture of dialogue, tolerance, coexistence and respect among young people of different religions, as well as offering a clear and real image of Iranian young people of different faiths.
This group was also formed to be a cooperation circle of the "United
Religions Initiative," whose aim is enduring peace among different
religions. It is worth mentioning that one of the group members was
selected to be a global trustee of URI for the MENA region from 2005 to
2008.
Objectives of "Iran Youth for Peace and Interreligious Dialogue" can be divided into three main fields:
- Organizing workshops and seminars
- Attending international conferences
- Research programs that align with the group's aims.
- Recognizing local and international centers and scholars in order to build connections that will help the group follow up with plans.
- Publishing books and articles related to youth and religions.
- Organizing diverse programs, such as exhibitions, entertaining and scientific tours, as well as celebrating different religious occasions.
Organizing workshops and seminars:
"Iran Youth for Peace and Interreligious Dialogue" has so far organized the following workshops and seminars for young people:
- Three educational-experimental workshops on "Fasting in Religions" in sequence from 2005-2007.
- Celebrating "Christmas" in January 2005. This was a unique opportunity for young people to learn about the Christmas rituals and history and to share and experience the spirit with Christian participants.
- Celebrating "Passover" in May 2005. This offered Iranian youth of different religious backgrounds a chance to learn about this ritual and holy occasion from their fellow Jews in a friendly environment.
- Visiting the Holy places of different religions in Tehran on the occasion of the birth of 12th Imam of Shiis.
- A seminar on "Acquaintance with Sikh Rituals" held in November 2006. This offered youth an opportunity to have their questions answered by a Sikh lecturer.
- Celebrating Hanukah in December 2006. This was also a unique space for young adults to experience this holy occasion with the Jews.
International Conferences and events:
- Attending Erfurt Summerschool on "Muslims in the West" in Germany for three subsequent years.
- Participation in URI board of trustees meeting, June 2005, South Korea.
- Attending the "Middle East Council of Churches" workshop. Beckfaya, Lebanon.
- Organizing an international workshop on "Towards a common future" in cooperation with the Middle East Council of Churches. Tehran, 2005.
- Participation in the Middle East Council of Churches conference on "Creation and Religion, Two Factors of Unity." Syria, 2006.
- Attending a workshop on "Charity in Religions" organized by URI MENA. Jordan, 2005.
- Attending the URI board of Trustees meeting. San Francisco, 2006.
- Attending a workshop on "Religions and Traditions" organized by URI MENA. Jordan 2007.
- Participation at the international conference of "West and East Youth Dialogue." Turkey, 2007.
- Attending the URI board of Trustees meeting. Belgium 2007.
- Attending the internship program on "Building an Interfaith Community" organized by the World Council of Churches and the Ecumenical Institute of Bossey. Switzerland 2007.
Scientific Research Programs:
- Planning the "Religion and Environment" educational program with the aim of tackling men's challenges in the 3rd millennium.
- Organizing a research and scientific visit for a group of young people from Saint Luis institute to Imam Khomeini's office and a meeting with Ayatollah Tavassoli.
Go to the next page for detailed reports of the activities for Iran Youth for Peace and Interreligious Dialogue
The following are detailed reports of some of our activities:
“Fasting in Religions”
Iranian youth from different religions, gathered and motivated by IID, held the educational-experimental workshop on “Fasting in Religions”.
This educational-experimental workshop, which was within the few last days of Ramadan (month of fasting in Islam), was held with the presence of Muslim, Christian and Jewish youth. “Co-thinking of youth from different religions,” “Question and Answer session with present experts of religions,” “Intercourse, examination and comparison of different religions’ ceremonies,” and “Discussion about fasting in different religions” were programs covered by the workshop. During the 3rd workshop of “Fasting in Religions,” IID’s chief manager stated: “If religions talk together with their common view, which is coming near to God, there would never be any opportunity for abusing religions.”
Mr.Abtahi, by mentioning that the common principle of all religions is belief in God, said: “Unfortunately there are people who abuse religion in order to reach power.” He also stated that the reason to this abusing is religion’s high value and said: “the oppositions and conflicts that exist in the name of religion are all result of efforts made by those greedy to power.” He continued: “having a common view to the principle philosophy of religion which is getting closer to God, prevents all abusing.”
The workshop of “Fasting in Religion” was the 3rd workshop held in the previous few years. During the first few times these gatherings were held, experts of Islam, Christianity and Jewish specified religions’ viewpoint about fasting. The second workshop held last year acquainted youth with Zoroastrian and Buddhism, looking at fasting within these beliefs.
IID Youth group visited Assyrian Church
The youth group from the Institute of Interreligious Dialogue, with the aim of becoming acquainted with different religions, paid a visit to the Assyrian Nursing Home and the Church.
The Youth congratulated the Nursing home residents on the New Year in 2007. The Assyrian Nursing home started its activities simultaneously with the Kahrizak Nursing home and, so far, has 25 Christian patriots (Assyrian & Armenian) who are without guardians. This nursing home is managing people with supports and vows .
Another program was held in Mary Highness Church. Dr. Rev. Ashur Tamraz, supervisor for this church and member of the Assyrian Council, presented an explanation on different Christian Feast. He said, “All feasts belong to spring during March and April when Nature proves its livingness.”
“In an ancient time, Assyrians chose the Silk road as a path that they would travel to China on foot in order to expand Christianity to China,” he said. In the end, a religious song proper to Jesus Christ was recited by a Folklore Music Group and this cultural event concluded with a reception.
Hanukkah
"Hanukkah: the celebration of Light" was celebrated by the department of Youth from IID.
On Dec. 22, 2006, on the occasion of Hanukkah, the department of youth from the Institute for Interreligious Dialogue held a cultural event that included enthusiasts from all different religions, including Christians, Muslims, Jews and Mr. Seyed Mohammad Ali Abtahi, President of Institute for Interreligious Dialogue. After giving his well wishes for Christmas to the Christians and for Eid- Al Adhar to the Muslims at this event, Mr. Arash Abaie, a Jewish compatriot, presented the history of Hanukkah and its rituals as well as the history of Jerusalem.
“Hanukkah in Hebrew means "opening" and is also the name of a feast that marks the celebration of the occasion of reopening Jerusalem and freeing it from the Greeks. At this event, which takes 8 days, the Jews light candles in a special candlestick to commemorate the Miracle of Hanukkah,” he said.
Mr. Abaie continued, “According to the Talmud, after the triumph of Hashmou Naim on Idolaters and the cleaning of the Holy shrine of Solomon (the Jews Kiblah), they wanted to reopen the Shrine; but, to light the 7 branched lamp, they could only get the small dish that contains the clean oil which the Stamp of Great Jewish priest (chief Rabbi) was still on. This meager supply of oil could be enough for 1 day, but a miracle happened, and the oil remained and burnt for 8 days. Because of this, preparing the New Clear oil became possible. A year after this incident, these 8 days was announced as an Eid.”
In continuation Mr. Abaie said, “The city of Jerusalem is one of the historical and holy places in the world, which all monotheism have respect for and Followers of Abrahamic Religions have a common point about its holiness, besides a religious work from all these divine religions that remain in this city.” In the end of his lecture, he said the prayer proper to Hanukkah then lit the candles.
A religious song proper to Hanukkah recited by a Folklore Music Group from Organization of Jewish Students, and this cultural event came to an end with a reception.
IID youth celebrated Christmas with their Christian friends
The youth group of Institute for Interreligious Dialogue held a program titled, “Honoring the Birth of Christ (Christmas), Prophet of Love and Kindness,” on the birth anniversary of the forerunner of peace and kindness, Jesus Christ.This program was attended by a number of Assyrians, Armenians, Jews, Zoroastrians and Muslims. Priest Komitas and Armenian Church clergy talked about the birth and character of Christ.
Christ wished for a day when friendship would be considered and believed in as a principle so that followers of religions can announce the message of salvation through coordinating and emphasizing their common points. Priest Komitas quoted from the Holy Gospel, saying, “The Angel Gabriel gave good news to a virgin girl named Mary: ‘You are the praised and hallowed woman among all the world’s women and you will have a son, who shall be named Jesus Christ.’”
Then he considered this happening as the accomplishment of the prediction made by Prophet Ishia, 700 B.C., and said, “The birth of Jesus Christ (Christmas) had been predicted by Prophet Mica in the Old Testament too.”
Then he mentioned that the birth of the Christ was a strange and wonderful event and said, “Christ lived 33 years among the people, but just as his birth, his miracles were surprising and marvelous. He instructed love, friendship and peace to his followers, from his birth to the time of his ascension to the kingdom of heaven.”
Priest Komitas said: “We, the Armenian, pride ourselves upon being the first ones to accept and follow Christianity, as well as for living in a country which is religion-based.” Priest Komitas added, “Christ is the appearance of divine grace and kindness, as well as soul, glory, and the words of God.” He helped indigent and helpless people, and he was the one by whose breath the dead came alive and whose words were like a pleasant breeze.”
At the end, thanking the Head of Institute for Interreligious Dialogue as well as the youth working in the institute, he said, “I wish God may bestow his great blessing upon them.”
At the continuation of this program, and answering to the question concering why there is a difference of opinions between Christians on the birth-date of Christ, the Priest Komitas said, “Armenian Morsalin (Prophets) Churches, Indian Molabar Churches, and Coptic and Assyrian Orthodox Churches were united in 451 A.D. and kept the birthday of the Christ on the sixth day of January. All Christian churches were unanimous on it until the fifth century A.D. when some clergies, led by Pop Leon in the year 451 A.D. at Calckdon Global Congress, announced the 25th day of December, which was a celebration day for Mitra, the light and sun goddess, as the birthday of the Christ, but such date was not acceptable for us.”
In response to a question concerning why there are four gospels in Christianity, while Islam and Judaism have only one holy bible each, Priest Komitas said: “Just like Muslims and Jews, the Christians have one holy bible too, rather than four ones. The holy bible is the same for all Christians, which includes 2 Chapters: Old Testament and New Testament. The Old Testament is composed of 47 books and the New Testament is composed of 27 books, of which 4 ones are the four Christian Gospels that were written by the disciples. But all of these books are not separate from but complementary to each other. The Gospel of Saint Matthew has been written to call the Jews to Christianity, the Gospel of Saint John states the divinity of the Christ and the two other ones, Saint Mark’s and Saint Luke’s Gospels, were written to call the Romans and Greeks to Christianity.”
He said about the Christian ceremonies and traditions during the Christmas, “Armenian Christians begin to fast two days before the January Celebration to the birthday of the Christ (Christmas) and avoid eating meat in their meals. The Lord’s Supper Ceremony is held on the sixth day of January too, and, after that, the Cross Honoring ceremony is performed, during which a cross (a symbol of Christ) is put in the water. Then a teenager brings the cross out of the water and keeps it for one year.
In continuation of the program, the Armenian Church’s choir group sings a carol about the Christ’s birth (Christmas) and his appearance in the world. Some of these carols are in fact those sung in the Lord’s Supper Ceremony.”
At the end of the program, Ms. Fahimeh Mousavinejad, Head of the Institute for Interreligious Dialogue, while extending good wishes for the Christian holidays of Christmas and New Year’s to all Christians attending in the meeting, wished the coming year to be a new opportunity to lay the ground for accomplishing religious dialogue and to achieve a world full of peace as a result.
The Jews and Zoroastrians participating in the meeting congratulated the 2005th birth anniversary of the Christ (Christmas) to the Christians.
Participation at Erfurt University Summer school: "Muslims in the West"
German Universities and Attempting to Introduce Islamic Culture
The German University of Erfurt has taken measure to hold summer courses of “Muslims in Western Countries” for three successive years. This 12-day course, has gathered 25 Muslims from Turkey, India, Sudan, Pakistan, South Africa, Iran and Malaysia as well as 15 German students from different universities. This summer program was held by German Academic Services Exchange Association (DAAD) to promote amicable coexisting and acceptance the others.
The focus of this program was, firstly, on the cultural clashes between Muslims and Westerns, and secondly on Muslim societies in their respective countries. The participants were divided into two groups, and all of the participants discussed the same topic.
Albert Foss, the Instructor of Islamic Studies Course in Erfurt, said, “This program was a suitable opportunity for the German students to get close to their Muslim counterparts. German students said that they had decided to join this program to learn more about Islam and study its real nature.”
Sebastian Harendesh, one of the German students, said, “The reason for which I was interested in participating in this course was the consequences of 11th of September happening which misrepresented Islam to the world. So I was encouraged to participate in such a course to increase my information. I think that attending this course we will have a chance to know each other better.”
Imke Westernman, another student of Islamic Studies, said. “We can prove that people are able to face each other even if they don’t have the same religion. The word Shiite, which some of the Western people are afraid of because of their wrong information, shall be explained, and we should remove such wrong beliefs and concepts about Islam.”
4000 students from all around the Germany are studying in Erfurt University. After being closed in the 19th century, it opened back up in 1994 to continue its work. There are 3.4 million Muslims in Germany, whereof only 220,000 live in Berlin. Two thirds of German Muslims are Turkish.
Herst Kohler, newly elected President of Germany, a few hours after being elected, emphasized the importance of negotiation with Islam and Muslims, saying, “Let’s don’t let them feel that a campaign has started against them.” Also, the former President of Germany had said, “Considering the 2.3-million population of Muslims, they should not be treated as second class citizens.”
Three Iranian students participated in this summer course, two of whom had gone on behalf of Institute for Interreligious Dialogue.
Iranian participants presented two articles, “Study of Muslims’ Conditions in Germany” and “Human Right & Religious Pluralism.” Also, the Iranian students introduced Iranian poetry and music in the “Cultures Night” program, in which each of the participating parties introduced a part of the culture and traditions of their respective countries. They presented the biographies of four famous Iranian poets (Hafiz, Saadi, Ferdosi and Molavi) for the other participants and displayed one of Shajarian’s songs. Some of the Pakistani, Indian and Malaysian students had worn their local cloths and Sudani and Turkish students served their local meals.
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