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Our Nation's General Election is drawing so close and there seem to be quite a bit of tension in every one's heart...Here is an article that i read today and I wish to share it with my readers.

"KING OF SAUDI MEETS POPE BENEDICT by K. George

The courtesy meeting of the King of Saudi Arabia with Pope Benedict XVI on November 6, 2007 was an historical event not to be forgotten. The Pope was gracious enough to seek freedom for the non-Muslims in Saudi Arabia to practice their respective religions. Was it necessary for the Pope to request for such a favour? I ask this question, because the teaching of Islam candidly says that an Islamic Nation must provide all the necessary facilities to non-Muslims to practice their respective religions. Allow me to expand further.

Love Thy Neighbour

An Islamic nation should not impose more tax on Non-Muslims. Another teaching says: "You shall not consume your dinner until you are satisfied that your neighbour has food to eat". Based on my humble interpretation, it is the clearer version of "Love thy Neighbour", one of the preachings of Jesus (Isaw). His name is mentioned in the Al-Quran 26 times and his monther, Mary's name, 7 times.

Prophet Mohammed maintained very cordial acquaintance with both Christianity and Judaism (perhaps they were the only two religions that had existed at that time in Arab countries). He preached the existance of one and only God.

There are 57 countries in this world with majority Muslim population. One of them is Saudi Arabia which is perhaps the only nation that has imposed unforgivable restrictions; a blatant violation of the tenet of Islam.

I was, indeed, shocked when a Christian friend of mine, currently employed in Saudi Arabia, told me that he was not allowed to possess a copy of the Bible. Followers of Islam are urged to acquire knowledge, for which they may go even to China. Have the monarchs of Saudi Arabia forgotten great men like Emperor Akbar who practiced justice, fair play irrespective of race or religion.

Superior Race

Malaysia consists of 13 states since September 1962. Until then the country was known as Malaya. Those who were born in that country, speak the Malay language and follow the Faith of Islam are known as Malays. If a Malay converts to another religion, he or she is no more a Malay. The Federal Contitution in 1957, which was approved by the Malays, Chinese and Indians, who formed the majority of the population.

Last year, after 49 years iof independence, the Chief Minister of one of the states, Johor, announced like a bolt from the blue that the Malay race is superior to the other races.

I have been a free lance commentator and I am a regular contributor to an opposition publication (Harakah) in MAlaysia.

Accordingly, in my commentary, I pointed out that the person who claimed the superiority of tha Malay race is not only the Cheif Minister of all the races in his state, but that he is also a follower of Islam which in its Al Quran says: "No Race is Superior to Another" which the prophet used to preach.

I went on to say that Hitler started the Second World War to establish the superiority of the Aryan Race, which failed and he committed suicide. The white men who occupied Asia, Africa and other countries were forced to say good bye. The mighty whites who introduced "apartheid" in South Africa were forced to discard the concept. I also reminded the Muslim Chief Minister that we are all created by the one and only Almighty God.

Religious Fanatics

It is not unusual to meet certain people who are fanatics in their religious beliefs. They blindly believe that their religion is the only right one to follow. They vehemently refuse to make use of the greatest gift exclusively bestowed by God to human beings - COMMON SENSE - that is capable of rationalisation.

When I was a little boy in my primary school, our catechism teacher was a Catholic Priest. He would tell us on and off that only Catholics can fo to heaven. I refused to buy that. Several years later, I asked Arch Bishop Vendargon for a clarification. Without any hesitation, he told me that anyone who leads a virtuous life and loves God has the right to a place in heaven, regardless of the religion he or she professes.

If you strongly believe in one and only GOD and respect other religions, you will never be a religious fanatic.

Coming back to the historical meeting between the Saudi King and the Pope on 6th November 2007, it will be the beginning of better and more fruitful relationship not only between Islam and Christianity, but also other religions, which will gradually lead to the formation of Inter Faith Organisations that will result in better understanding and harmony. I hope that my Pope will make a return visit to Saudi Arabia as soon as possible."

Now....if only everyone practices their religion as per respective teachings and not turned fanatic...

Last but not least...VOTE WISELY