World Religion Day
On Sunday 21st January interfaith communities noted and celebrated the World Religion Day. This event is a global observance that promotes interfaith understanding and dialogue, emphasising the common thread that flows through all religions. On Wednesday 24th January Govind, Khadeeja, Tanav and Imojen from Year 6 spoke about their own faiths and highlighted the similarities between the religions. They talked about the common thread that flows through all religions, namely the importance of Family, Respect and Peace.
Imojen spoke about her faith and how Christianity teaches her the importance of ‘Peace’, ‘Respect’ and ‘Family’. Imojen explained that Jesus taught Christians, through the Bible, that Peace was to be encouraged. The message of the angels to the shepherds at the time of Jesus’s birth was ‘Peace on earth!’ Family ties are important. She explained that she spends lots of quality time with her family celebrating important festivals like Easter and Christmas.
Through her religion, Islam, Khadeeja explained that she has learned many values such as ‘Respect’, ‘Peace’ and the importance of ‘Family’. Her religion encourages family ties. She explained that during Ramadan for example, her family get up together before dawn to have breakfast (sehri) and pray together – which is a nice feeling. At the end of Ramadan, she celebrates Eid by going with her friends and family to a fun fair.
'The word ‘Islam’ means both ‘submission’ and ‘peace’. Islam has always emphasised the value and importance of peace, both between individuals and nations.
Govind and Tanav, through their presentations on Hinduism, showed that the themes of Peace, Family and Respect are entrenched in their faith.
Govind explained succinctly, the main beliefs and principles of Hinduism. He also recited, very impressively, the Gayatri mantra in Sanskrit, the most powerful mantra in Hinduism. He also talked about the four pillars of his faith.
Tanav focussed on the promotion of ‘Family’, ‘Respect’ and Peace in the Hindu faith. He showed that his religion teaches him to be respectful of people. It encourages him to live in peace and harmony with himself, society and the environment.
Did you know that the Vedas, the sacred scriptures of Hinduism, provide deep teachings on maintaining family relationships? These teachings emphasise the importance of love, respect, harmony, and mutual support within the family unit.
It was clear, from the presentations, that all religions teach people to live peacefully, to be respectful to everyone regardless of their faith, race, age, ethnic origin, gender or social status and have strong family ties.