A local Kitchener imam, Muhammad Abuelezz, and a New York-based journalist and professor, Paul Moses, came together at Conrad Grebel University College on March 8, 2013 to share an 800 year old story. At this public talk entitled "The Saint and the Sultan: Religion, Conflict and the Search for Peace," Moses described the meeting of St. Francis of Assisi and Sultan Malik al-Kamil during the Fifth crusade. Abuelezz responded with the implications for Muslim-Christian relations today.
These two prominent historical figures were able to find common ground through their interest in non-violence and peace when they met in 1219 CE. The saint and the sultan were able to listen to one another and respect each other, despite the dangerous, violent nature of the time.
When arguing the implication of this encounter between the saint and the sultan for interfaith relations, Moses stated:
It shows people can get along even in bad circumstances. They can take the risk...Both Francis and the sultan are good role models.
Their message is especially important in the wake of 9/11, in light of the perpetuation of many stereotypes and misunderstandings about Muslims.
Imam Muhammed Abuelezz explains,
There are a lot of negative stereotypes that Muslims are terrorists. We need to outreach to the community and show who we are as Muslims. We are good citizens of this country.
The story of St. Francis and Sultan Malik al-Kamil is a reminder of the positive relationship that can be built through open dialogue between parties from different religious backgrounds. Through dialogue and mutual understanding the road to peace is built.
Moses is the author, with Robert F. Keeler, of Days of Intense Emotion: Praying with Pope John Paul II in the Holy Land (Resurrection Press, 2001), and, more recently, of The Saint and the Sultan: The Crusades, Islam and Francis of Assisi's Mission of Peace (Doubleday, 2009), which won the 2010 Catholic Press Association award for best history book.
