The Islamic world enters the third millenium having initiated the unique idea of Dialogue Among Religions, Civilizations, and Cultures.

This is a blessed idea whose practical utility can be seen in the daily lives of the people.

Intellectuals and scholars are encouraged to make the best use of it.

Several years before the victory of the Islamic Revolution of Iran, Imam Mousa Sadr of Lebanon laid the groundwork for President Khatami's multicultural initiative.

On February 19, 1974, Imam Mousa Sadr delivered a speech in the form of a sermon on fasting days at the Kabouchieh Church in Beirut which has remained an unforgettable historical event in the Islamic world.

The sermon, which was similar to the sermons of Friday prayers or Eid-ul Fitr of the Muslims, was warmly welcomed by the Christians.

Several prominent Lebanese Christians who attended the ceremony highly praised the Imam after his lecture.

Unity, dialogue and interaction among religions, the shared responsibility of religions for humanity, and defending the homeland were among the main topics of the speech.

The audience listened to the Imam carefully. After the speech, all the guests rushed to talk to him, reported Nabil Nasser of the daily ****Al-Nahar****.

To Be Contd.