It is known that the Islamic religion emerged to save mankind from chaos, astray and tyranny and to guide mankind to peace, justice and the right path. Prophet Muhammad recommended the succeeding guardians after him to be Ahlu al-Bayt. Islam witnessed numerous non-Muslims who have sold themselves in thinking and researching the need to respect the world which was gathered by the Prophet and his holy Household.
Hussein Revivalism interviewed researcher and Catholic priest, Kieran Patrick, a professor in the field of religion convergence in the University of Dublin, asking the following:
Hussein Revivalism: Tell us about the books you have written about Islam?
Patrick: I wrote theses concerning Islam, especially the Shia community in Ireland and Britain, and about the Catholic and Shia heritages. I drew similarities among them including holy shrines, pilgrimage and the holy household, in addition to the desire of peace, education, caring for the poor, and cooperating to stand united against extremism and terrorism.
Hussein Revivalism: What influenced Patrick to write about Islam and the Shia doctrine in particular?
Patrick: I read a number of Hadiths (maxims) from Prophet Muhammad, including the ones that mention that one day the sun will rise from the western horizon. I believe the sun has risen from the western horizon in our present time as represented by the Shia community in the West. Understanding that the sun is shining light and knowledge upon Western peoples and is providing them great lessons from the messages of the prophets and apostles, therefore, they deserve all the respect and appreciation.
While Shia communities in the West obtained freedom of expression, democracy, humanity and belief of which supported them in spreading the true image of Islam, Shias are not afraid from government power. Their ambition is to spread Islam in all parts of the world via forming friendly relationships with Christians as well as other religions. Muslims, particularly Ahlu al-Bayt followers, teach peoples of the world the correct view of Islam and that it is a religion of tolerance, love and cooperation.
Hussein Revivalism: Were you moved ever since reading the history of Ahlu al-Bayt and writing about them?
Patrick: I have got love for Imam Hussain and I was greatly moved by him. The Imam has motivated me toward the hope in life and I have learned from his stories in complementarity and justice. His suffering reminds me of the Messiah`s suffering for freedom. I believe that Shias suffered heavily, however in the same time they managed to bring true knowledge, ethics and principles to the world to live in peace. They are humble and have great love for God. All communities and religions ought to love and follow Ahlu al-Bayt through reviewing their informative history.
Hussein Revivalism: Through what you have read about him, what was the image formed for Dr. Patrick regarding the personality of Imam Hussain?
Patrick: Imam Hussain saved Islam, made it complete and demonstrated it to the entire world in the most perfect picture, into an extent, that most people today view Islam from Imam Hussain-s history. He confirmed to me that Islam is the religion of peace, safety and democracy.
Hussein Revivalism: Have you read about Imam al-Mahdi?
Patrick: I read a lot of books concerning Imam al-Mahdi and believe that he and the Messiah are like brothers. Catholics respect and honor Imam al-Mahdi and he symbolizes the path to God similar to the Messiah, especially in the idea of justice in the world.
Hussein Revivalism: From time to time, there are a few western folks who insult the Prophet Muhammad, do you have a diagnosis of the reasons behind it?
Patrick: We, as Catholics, have respect and honor for the Prophet, however, I think this situation goes back to two reasons:
One: The objective is economic and it is to try and sell the highest number of newspapers and magazines, therefore it is a kind of cheap propaganda.
Two: Some Muslims act abnormally and by that I mean extreme, hence made the western society afraid of Muslims and even hateful to them. These few effected the outlook on Muslims in general.
Hussein Revivalism: What are your future projects in the field of interfaith dialogue?
Patrick: I am working hard to learn the Arabic language fluently so that I can help promote peace among Muslims and the whole world, also, so that they understand and respect Ahlu al-Bayt. I have a question for the other doctrines: How does a Muslim say he loves Prophet Muhammad yet he does not love Ahlu al-Bayt? It appears to be that if you are a Muslim you must make the progeny of the prophet an idol in front of the loved ones.