4th December 2012 – Address at the European Parliament, Brussels, Belgium

‘Another key principle Islam teaches is that, in an effort to develop peace, it is necessary for all parties to never display any form of pride or arrogance. This was perfectly illustrated by the Holy Prophet (sa)  when he famously said a black person is not superior to a white person and nor is a white person superior to a black person. Neither is a European greater or superior to any other national, nor are Africans, Asians or the people of any other part of the world. Differences of nationality, colour or ethnicity act merely as a form of identity and recognition. In the same way that we would not accept for our own rights to be taken, we should not be willing to accept it for others. Islam teaches that where retribution is required then it must be proportionate to the act of transgression. However, if forgiveness can lead to reformation then the option to forgive should be taken. The true and overarching objectives should always be reformation, reconciliation and the development of long lasting peace. If wealthy countries try to extract and utilise the wealth and resources of less developed nations to fulfil their own needs, then naturally, restlessness will spread. Where appropriate, the developed nations can take a small and fair amount in return for their services, whilst the majority of resources should be utilised to help the under-developed countries to raise their standards of living. They should be allowed to prosper and should be helped in their efforts to reach the same levels as the developed world, because then, and only then can peace be established. If the leadership of those countries is not honest, then the Western nations or developed nations should themselves monitor and organise the development of the country by giving them aid.’