FOREWORD
Peace, understanding and friendship between Christians and Muslims were among the goals of the Second Vatican Council. Popes Paul VI and John-Paul II have relentlessly appealed to the two communities of believers to improve good relations and overcome the problems they encounter.
How can they do so? The Popes have urged two ways: dialogue and prayer. Progress has been made by countless international and regional dialogue meetings. Moreover, Pope John-Paul II from time to time gathers at Assisi representatives of other religions, including Islam, for prayer together, each in his own way, stressing the power of prayer in solving problems.
The Association of Episcopal Conferences of Anglophone West Africa (AECAWA) in 1986 established a Commission for Inter-Religious Dialogue. The Commission has held annual study sessions on themes relating to Islam and African Traditional Religion and has considered the needs of Christians in relating to these religions. To provide for courses on these religions mandated for all seminaries in the region, for similar courses for catechists, religious and interested laity, as well as for general readership, the Commission saw the need for a book to provide Christians with basic information on Islam, showing what Islam and Christianity have in common, how they differ, and how Christians can face problems that arise in relating with Muslims.
The
author, Fr. Joseph Kenny, O.P., is a Professor in the Department of Religious
Studies at the University of Ibadan. He is a specialist in Arabic and Islamic
Studies and has extensive experience in teaching, research and Christian-Muslim
dialogue.
I present
this book to readers with the hope that they come to learn Islam not simply as
a different religion that falls short of Christianity, but as it leads millions
of people to a knowledge of God and inspires them to generous self-sacrifice in
serving Him and in practising justice and kindness to others.
May this
book both confirm Christians in their faith and make them respectful towards
Islam and Muslims.
Most
Rev. E. S. Obot
Bishop
of Idah and Chairman of AECAWA IRDC