It starts with a Dialogue

As many of us enjoy a restful Sunday, give a thought to those who are working this day. It would be ignorant of us to assume that a Monday to Friday work-week is standard around the world. Many countries observe Friday as a non working day, a day when Muslims gather to pray in congregation.

“This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen Islam as your religion.” (Quran 5:3)

Countries from Malaysia to Israel, and Bangladesh to Jordan observe a working week centered around a Friday weekend, whether it is a Thursday/Friday, or a more typical Friday/Saturday weekend. Did we know this? I’ll bet most people in the West do not. I am pretty certain that most people don’t even care.

Islamophobia

Anti-Semitism

Afrophobia

Antiziganism

There is no room in the 21st Century dictionary for these words. Instead we must preach anti-bigotism. This starts with a dialogue. It starts with education. It starts with understanding.

Yes we could continue to call people names. Call Trump a bigot and that will not change him. Start a dialogue and deepen our understanding of Islam and we can progress.

We have the tools. The internet has given us no excuse for ignorance. We are no longer siloed in our own communities. Never before have we had such an opportunity for understanding. It starts with a dialogue.

For this reason, I am starting a Hive where people of all faiths and religions can share their beliefs, cultures, customs. Bigotry will not be tolerated. Personally, I would be surprised if this Hive took off, but it would be a nice surprise and a buzzing Hive would show there is hope for the future.

The Hive is called “Interfaith Dialogue” and I would welcome representatives of all faiths to become an administrator.

Dean Owen is Co-Founder of Quimojo, a revolutionary new concept in Global Campus Recruitment.