“Such a center is essential to carry on the message of King Abdullah by conducting research and organizing seminars and conferences on the topic,” Naseef told Arab News, adding that the Saudi leader’s initiative has won wide international support. He said the King Abdullah Interfaith Dialogue center would cooperate with other centers and institutions that work to foster greater understanding between followers of various religions and cultures.

He emphasized the importance of dialogue, saying it would remove misunderstanding between people of different faiths, help them know one another, encourage them to work together for the welfare of humanity and fight social evils.

Naseef, president of the World Muslim Congress, welcomed the plan to organize an interfaith dialogue forum in the south Indian state of Kerala under the auspices of the Muslim World League (MWL).

“This is a good idea. India being a multicultural and a multireligious country and the world’s largest democracy is the right place for such a dialogue forum,” he said, adding that it would contribute to reducing communal tension in the country.

Naseef said all main cultures and religions should be invited to the forum to engage them in dialogue and ensure their cooperation in various future activities.

Saudi Arabia recently signed a memorandum of understanding with UNESCO to set up an international program named after King Abdullah for promoting a culture of dialogue and peace. The Kingdom has allocated $5 million for the Paris-based program.

Naseef spoke about the main topics discussed at the Islamic conferences he attended in Jakarta, Cairo and London recently. “The main message of these conferences was that Muslims should focus more on education to strengthen their position.”

Speakers also emphasized the need to develop a new generation capable of dealing with new problems and challenges and making constructive contributions to society. “People are looking for new initiatives to rejuvenate society,” he added. He urged Islamic organizations to make continuous and sincere efforts to strengthen Muslim unity.  “Everything is in the hands of Allah. If Muslims are sincere and want unity Allah will surely unite them. Although Islam calls for unity, Muslims generally have a tendency to differ on minor issues,” he said.

Naseef said Islamic organizations should not be disappointed on the issue of Muslim unity and continue their efforts to narrow their differences. “Let’s work sincerely for unity and leave the rest to Allah. Different Muslim organizations should engage in dialogue to overcome their differences and work together for progress and prosperity of the Ummah.”

He said disunity among Muslims would not prevent others from embracing Islam. “Islam is the fastest spreading religion in the world despite Muslim disunity and smear campaigns against Islam and Muslims, because of the inherent quality of Islam,” he pointed.

Naseef, former secretary-general of MWL, urged Islamic organizations to carry out their activities in a professional manner.

“Most of them lack management capabilities. People take it easy as far as Islamic work is concerned. This should be changed. Our young leaders should be trained to improve their management skills. We should also develop our financial capabilities to run our institutions efficiently. We should set up trusts or endowments to raise funds for our various activities and projects,” he added.