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by Bartolomeo Pirone (Author), Mohammad Sahaf Kashani (Author)
The character of Salman al-Farsi resembled prominent figures in Christianity, marking a turning point for those seeking a journey towards God, those desiring to live with Him. Perhaps similar characters exist not just in Iran, Jordan, or Australia, but potentially everywhere worldwide. Salman al-Farsi's character, along with those of other truth seekers, is a fundamental and symbolic reference point for me. With this reference, I can better understand the nature and origin of what we perceive today as aspects of interfaith dialogues. Interfaith dialogues never imply losing one's cultural and faith identity. Instead, they demonstrate our commitment to showcasing the value of our spirit and intelligence. Fortunate as I was, in subsequent journeys to Iran, I explored its extraordinary and captivating cities, along with its fascinating mosques. These experiences provided me with a deeper understanding of the true essence of faith and religiosity among Iranian Shias. Additionally, I had the opportunity to visit several Iranian universities and institutes alongside my colleagues from the University of Naples, leaving cherished memories in my heart.
In this book, Professor Kashani, with remarkable clarity and precision and drawing upon two revealed texts, elucidates that kindness and love, when combined, can foster apeaceful life for everyone. The selected passages show the essence of love and kindness themselves and the contexts in which they are applied. Thus, on one hand, it addressesa philosophical question, while on the other hand, it delves into a phenomenological problem by asserting that God's essence is mercy and love. Professor Kashani usessacred texts to illustrate that love is equally present in both texts. In essence, there is a unity in kindness and love that is accessible to everyone, without exception, althougheach plays its distinct role in our religious beliefs as well. This book aims to advocate for a valid and responsible interreligious dialogue. As previously noted, the themes of love and kindness, rooted in the concepts of life and peace, ultimately lead to God. Subsequently, the book will explore the impacts that love and kindness should have on those around us and those with whom we share our lives. What is the foundation of love and kindness? How are they revealed to humanity through God's words as conveyed by the prophets? What significance do they hold in our lives, and to what extent should they contribute to the construction of human society? These are the questions to which this book provides answers. To repeat, this research is not an end in itself; rather, it pursues a broader methodological approach.It is important to note that this study employs interreligious dialogues as a key method to demonstrate numerous spiritual energies and fundamental values of life basedon scriptures. This book argues that love and kindness merely await rediscovery and implementation in the daily lives of each individual. This idea is deeply rooted in religion, faith, andmorality. Love and kindness serve as the keys to attaining the divine kingdom, in addition to peace in our life on Earth.
