Speech

Remarks by Ambassador Joseph A. Mussomeli, Ramadan Reception

U.S. Embassy Phnom Penh
September 28, 2007

Is-salamu Aliekum.

Thank you all for coming tonight. My wife Sharon and I are honored to have you here with us at our house. Welcome. AhlanWashalan. Our house is your house. Your presence here lightens and warms us.

This is now the third such gathering we have had together. Each Ramadan, even though I am a Christian, I spend time reading the Koran. This year, since it is our third gathering, I re-read the Third Sura. I had forgotten what the third sura was about, but now I think it is the perfect sura for this gathering. The third sura is called al- Imran, named after the father of Mary, the mother of Jesus. The first part is devoted almost entirely to what we Christians would call the “Christmas Story.” How amazing to find such a lovely, enjoyable version of Christ’s birth in the Koran. It is humbling for me to know how Muslims do not hesitate to believe in the virgin birth of Jesus, in his miracles, in the specialness of Mary, when so many so-called Christians doubt all these things nowadays.

I mention these things because too often there are many misunderstandings between good Christians and good Muslims and other good people of other religions. We sometimes dwell so much on what separates us that we forget all that we have in common. The Koran calls on us to protect the weak, to feed the poor, to fight for justice, to be merciful, and to pray. Do not these rules form the foundation of most religions? Has not Allah succeeded in bringing some good into every heart and every belief? I am not saying that one religion is as good as another religion. We all sincerely believe our faith is truer and better, but part of my belief is that God does not forsake anyone who seeks him regardless of their religion, and he searches for good in everyone.

I think this same view can be found in the third sura. In verse 128 it reads: “Not for you, but for Allah, is the decision whether he turn in mercy to them, or punish them.” Some Islamic scholars interpret this to mean that Allah is open to everyone regardless of religion and even if they are our enemies. God’s plan may be to teach us wisdom and righteousness through those who seem in our eyes to be evil and defiant. We do not know who is truly good; we do not see as God sees. We cannot weigh anyone’s true worth. If we were all a little more humble, a little less certain, the world would be a better place. Whether a president or a prime minister -- or even an ambassador -- we need to accept that we are not always right, that we make mistakes, that judging others and declaring them evil is the essence of godlessness. Because only God can judge the hearts of men.

How is it that we wish to wield more power over people than God is willing to wield? He does not want us to be compelled, especially not to compel us to believe in him. Thus, the Koranic admonition: Let there be no compulsion in religion. To compel faith is as silly as compelling love. You cannot force someone to love you—God understands that. For Allah, the cost of freedom – the violence, hate, war, and bloodshed -- are worth it because He wants us free to choose Him. But so many un-Islamic Muslims and unchristian Christians would take our freedom. These ungodly believers in God would impose their will where God Himself refuses to impose His Will. So during this Holy month of Ramadan, let us give thanks to Allah for giving us life and giving us the freedom to love Him and each other.

Again, thank you for being here with us tonight.