ISLAM-CHRISTIAN DIALOGUE

284 MOSQUES, FAITH AND HUMAN RIGHTS FAX - 10/06 - 2000 To: Dr. Roberta Aluffi FROM: G. Samir Eid Copy: Father Giampiero OBJECT: Milan and Islam I see your scheduled presence at the con- ference Milan and Islam at the Stars. In this regard, I take the opportunity to offer you some ideas on the themes of Islam among us. • Religious faith: It is praiseworthy that the Islamic centres in Milan can make the religious faith of the faithful grow; on the contrary, it is critici- zable when the centre proposes to apply to our society, customs and traditions of foreign origin in the name of Islam. The question then arises: of which Islam? The one practiced in Cairo, Beirut and 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 substantial differences that exist betwe- en Italian law and that of the countries of Islam. It is well known that the Sharia ap- plied in interpersonal relations discrimi- nates in non-Muslims, and in the case of mixed marriages, the Christian woman and her offspring. In order to prevent such problems in the city of Milan, it is advisable to stipulate bi- lateral agreements that recognize exclusi- vely as the competent court, the law of the State where the marriage is celebrated. I remain at your disposal for any clarifica- tion and extend my best regards.