These are the words of Prof. Ibrahim Al Naimi, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Culture of the State of Qatar and President of the Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue (DICID), shared during a recent interview on an Italian television channel, at a time of growing international tension and widespread misunderstanding that too often associates Islam with war, terrorism, and geopolitical conflict.
Prof. Al Naimi emphasized that significant efforts have been made in recent years, and particularly in recent days, to promote dialogue and counter narratives of division and hatred. However, he clearly stated that the primary responsibility for war lies with political leadership. It is political decisions that ultimately determine whether nations move toward conflict or peace.
At the same time, Prof. Al Naimi highlighted the crucial role of religious leaders. As voices that reach millions of people, they carry a moral responsibility that cannot be underestimated. Their message, especially in times of crisis, must always remain balanced, moderate, and oriented toward peace.
He warned that in any war, no one remains unaffected. The consequences inevitably expand beyond borders, becoming global in nature. For this reason, he called for wisdom, restraint, and a renewed commitment to dialogue, expressing hope that the conflict may come to an end sooner than expected, despite military assessments suggesting otherwise.
In this context, Qatar continues to play a significant role in promoting de-escalation and diplomatic solutions. Despite recent tensions and attacks, the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has maintained a consistent commitment to dialogue, reaffirming the country’s position as a credible and responsible actor in international mediation efforts.
Prof. Al Naimi also reflected on the role of Italy and the European Union, noting their apparent intention not to be drawn into a dangerous escalation. According to this perspective, Italy still has the potential to act as a bridge for peace, thanks to its balanced relations with both Gulf countries and Iran. A direct involvement in the conflict, on the other hand, could risk intensifying the crisis, with unpredictable consequences.
At the same time, he underlined that Europe itself could be significantly affected by the broader impact of the conflict, particularly in terms of energy supply, making diplomatic engagement even more urgent and necessary.
A central element of his message was the importance of strengthening mutual understanding between Christians and Muslims. Only through genuine dialogue, cooperation, and respect can societies counter both armed conflict and the rise of Islamophobia that often accompanies global tensions.
Statement by Alfredo Maiolese, President of the European Muslims League (EML)
“In a moment when public perception risks confusing Islam with war or terrorism, it is essential to clearly reaffirm that Islam is a religion of peace, responsibility, and human dignity. The words of Prof. Ibrahim Al Naimi go in this direction and reinforce the role of religious leaders as bridges between communities.
As the European Muslims League, we believe it is crucial to promote a culture of dialogue and to counter all forms of Islamophobia through concrete initiatives and balanced narratives.
We also recall that the Italian Constitution clearly states that Italy rejects war as an instrument of aggression between peoples. This principle must today translate into a real commitment to peace and de-escalation.
Christians and Muslims, now more than ever, are called to know each other better, to cooperate, and to build together paths of peace, avoiding divisive narratives and working for the common good.”
The Words of Prof. Ibrahim Al Naimi: Religious Leadership, Responsibility, and the Urgent Need for Peace
