Example of Muslim Spain: Vission, understanding and tolerance
[“Let us remember that in the past] despite many cases of strife
among followers of various religions, there were also many instances
of remarkable accord and harmony as each religious community realised
in its heart the religious nature of the life of the other.
"It is sometimes difficult for us to appreciate this in an age
when secularism has, on the one hand, weakened religions and, on
the other, hardened them in the face of external threat, and turned
many of their followers away from the inner and spiritual dimensions
of their own religions - where alone real peace and accord
reside.
"In this modern era, it is important for us in the West to be
reminded of such notable instances of peace and harmony as occured,
for example, in the case of Spain before the Reconquista where,
during almost eight centuries, Christians, Jews and Muslims lived
in remarkable peace - for this is what we must all have the
vision, understanding and tolerance to strive for."
Prince Charles, A Tribute by the Prince of Wales
King Hussein's Memorial Serivce
St. Paul's Cathedral, London, July 5, 1999
© Copyright St James's Palace and the Press Association Ltd 1998.
Muslim Spain: A Story of Civilization and Tolerance