ISLAM-CHRISTIAN DIALOGUE

253 Date: 10 June 2000 To: Mons. Gianfranco Ravasi FROM : Giuseppe Samir Eid OBJECT: Milan and Islam I see your scheduled presence at the con- ference Milan and Islam at the Stelline. In this regard, I take the liberty to offer you some ideas on Islamic issues. Religious faith: It is praiseworthy that the Islamic centres in Milan can increase the religious faith of the faithful; on the contrary, it is critici- zable when the centre proposes to apply to our society, customs and dictates of foreign origin in the name of Islam. The question then arises: of which Islam? The one practiced in Cairo, Beirut, & Tunis, or in Mecca, Karachi or in the desert of the seventh century? Human rights: What rights will be discussed? In my opi- nion, facing the truth is an undeniable value. It would be useful for everyone, Christians and Muslims, to take the op- portunity to ask to define the content of the title, and to highlight what are the sub- stantial differences that exist between Ita- lian law and that of the countries of Islam. It is well known that Sharia law applied in interpersonal relations discriminates against non-Muslims, and in the case of mixed marriages, against Christian wo- men and their offspring. In order to prevent such problems in the city of Milan, it is advisable to stipulate bi- lateral agreements that recognize exclu- sively as the competent court, the law of the State where the marriage is celebra- ted. I remain at your disposal for any clari- fication and extend my best regards. WHO DEFENDS CHRISTIANS? 8 September 1999 To : M. Antonio Socci From : G. Eid During the 1974 the pan-Islamic Congress of Lahore they decided, with the tacit agreement of the Western countries, the elimination of a presidential chronometer in the country with a Muslim majority. Is it a project or a project in progress? (Sudan, Sudan, Bosnia, Kosovo, Copts in Egypt, Pakistan, Timor, etc.). The Italian press has always kept silent when the attackers are Muslims! In fact, a work of disinformation does not remember the massacres against Muslims of this cen- tury Oil or water? Only excuse: here we are carriers of facts if we produce in the world but here we escape the information. What are the reasons and interests at sta- ke here if some events are realized and cause suffering and death?