EU Callers: Aga Khan Disavows Clash of Cultures
- January 25th, 2007
- Posted by EUA Editor
A leader in the world Moslem community , the Aga Khan, has denied it is in conflict with the West, saying it is itself “pluralistic” with many different aspects and followings.
He was in Brussels to sign a new accord with the European Commission, a leading contributor to the work of the Aga Khan organisation.
The Aga Khan, from the Shia Imami Ismaili tradition, said there was much diversity, not only geographical and ethnic, but in the interpretation of the faith itself.
Asked by EUAustralia if cleavage between Islamic communities and the West had been harmful to his work, he said tensions on the international scene had not blocked development work and charities conducted by his organisation.
“We are not seeing negative reactions to work we are doing”, he said.
The Aga Khan said developing countries regarded Europe as a case study for democratic government and quality of life.
His organisation works together with other world bodies sponsoring development schemes, schools, hospitals and cultural projects.
The President of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso, said Europeans needed to obtain a more thorough understanding of Islam for the sake of co-operation and progress.
Reference: Overview of the Aga Khan Development Network, brochure, www.akdn.org (24.1.07)