The dark days in which we live, and of which some have prophesied an inevitable ‘clash of cultures’, give us a new chance to belie the prophets of gloom and to create a new relationship between our faiths.

It will require leaders who, though firmly rooted in their traditions, are generous to other faiths; it will demand the forging of new friendships and tolerant and open attitudes. That kind of generosity is expressed in the Holy Qur’an, Surah 5,82 where we read: ‘Nearest to you in love wilt thou find those who say ‘We are Christians’ because amongst these are men devoted to learning and they are not ignorant’. That appears to express a spirit that invites closer dialogue and understanding – a generosity that I have come to associate with the great school of Islamic teaching found in Al-Azhar. And also as Jesus taught us how to love others in His Sermon on the Mount “If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Don’t forget even pagans do that.” Matt 5:46-47.