Religious freedom is a well-known Islamic principle. The Quran states: “There is no compulsion in religion.” – Quran 22:56.

People of other religions are free to practice their own faith, as Islam does not force any one to embrace it. It is clear that each person should be allowed to find their own path in life.

Regarding the protection of churches, the Quran says, “Did not God check one set of people by means of another, there would surely have been pulled down monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques, in which the name of God is commemorated in abundant measure. God will certainly aid those who aid His Cause.” – Quran 22:40

This verse is enough evidence of the prohibition of demolishing the churches of any community, their temples, or their houses of worship.

As we all know, the places of worship occupy an important place in Christianity and Islam, and in other religions as well. For both Christians and Muslims, churches and mosques are spaces reserved for prayer, personal and communitarian alike. They are constructed and furnished in a way that favors silence, reflection and meditation.

Places of worship are also spaces for spiritual hospitality, where believers of other religions join for special ceremonies like weddings, funerals, feasts of the community etc. While they participate in the events in silence and with due respect to the religious observances of the believers of that particular religion, they also savor the hospitality accorded to them.

In the context of recent attacks on churches by extremist persons who seem to perceive the places of worship as a privileged target for their blind and senseless violence, it is worth noting what the Document on “Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together” signed by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al- Azhar, Dr. Ahmad Al-Tayyeb – says: “The protection of places of worship — synagogues, churches and mosques — is a duty guaranteed by religions, human values, laws and international agreements. Every attempt to attack places of worship or threaten them by violent assaults, bombings or destruction, is a deviation from the teachings of religions as well as a clear violation of international law”.

While appreciating the efforts done by the international community at different levels for the protection of the places of worship worldwide, it is our hope that our mutual esteem and respect will help build bridges, erase mistrust, foster healing, and enable our communities in Sri Lanka and the world over to safeguard the places of worship to assure for coming generations the fundamental freedom to visit houses of prayer and feel – supremely secure.