DOES GOD’S KINGDOM HAVE SPACE FOR MUSLIMS?

Abstract

On February 4, 2019, Pope Francis and Sheikh Al-Azhar1 (Ahmad Tayyib) jointly signed “A Document on Human Fraternity for world Peace and Living Together” in Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates). It was on the occasion of the first visit of a Pope to the Arabian Peninsula. At this, some Catholics wondered why is he going to Saudi Arabia and signing encyclical with Muslims. Of course, this comment is borne out of poor knowledge and some elements of prejudice. The Pope did not sign an encyclical with the Sheikh. It was only a joint declaration to work together for the elimination of religious extremism. This gesture of the pope and the Sheikh is also an effort at a joint establishment of the kingdom of God on earth by both Christians and Muslims. The Church cannot do it alone. While Christians are taught to pray and work for the coming of God’s kingdom (cf. Mt. 6:10), a similar demand is also made on the Muslims.