Let peace prevail

Asad Latif, while dealing with some of the thorny issues, rested his case beautifully in his article Islam of truth is a religion of peace (The Jakarta Post, Jan. 30).

All religions are, in fact, religions of truth. Religion is derived from the need for principal human existence. Humanity existed on this planet even before religion came into being.

Principles come first. They are universally understood and accepted. We all know that religions are principles-based.

Identity with truth should precede identity with any religion. If this were accepted, there would be no need for any inter- religious strife. Fanaticism of any kind would then have no place to exist, in the full understanding that all our religions are religions of truth and peace.

It is not really "I" against "he" or "she" but "we" that matters most. As is often stated, when we point a finger at another, let us do well to remember that three other fingers are pointing towards us.

Before embarking on "inter-religious" peace efforts, it would be prudent to boldly raise and settle all "intra-religious" questions, to the best of our consciences. That should pave the way for better inter-religious understanding and peaceful co- existence. Thus, questioning and seeking to understand our own religion is paramount.

Religious practices need not be permanent for all time to come, and they could and should give way to modern thinking and living. After all, even our own interpretations on various religious texts reveal different meanings through the ages.

I might even say that understanding oneself and understanding God are synonymous. Godhead is a quality that every human being should strive to achieve, and what better way is there than serving our fellow human beings?

D. CHANDRAMOULI

Jakarta