This is a translation of an article by Egyptian Baha’i Dr. Basma Mousa which was recently published:

When we look at the world today, we discover that it is in need of unity to face the challenges confronting it, which have originally resulted from the harsh manner human beings deal with mother earth that carried us, protected us, and benefited us throughout time. Today, the earth suffers from all the ongoing racial, religious, tribal and national wars and conflicts as well as other destructions of the natural environment that God has created in the best order. The UNESCO played a major role in introducing the world to all the dangers that threaten its existence as a result of this systematic neglect of the earth and fired the danger alarm. The world however, only expressed its interest in this danger when climate changes, global warming and disappearing ice became issues of concern due to all the pollution that led to imbalances in the structure of all things God has created on earth, heaven and the atmosphere.

Those who were uprooting trees in forests were unaware that they were exhausting a rich resource that purifies the air that we breathe. Those who were polluting rivers were unaware that they were destroying the water source that provides are veins with life. Those who were demolishing the bottom of the earth and sea using destructive war machines were also unaware that they were paving the way for a natural revolution, which appeared in the form of hurricanes, oceanic commotions and volcanoes. Human beings have forgotten that all these disasters resulted from all forms of fanaticism in the world. If we look at the world today, we see all shapes and forms of fanaticism based on religion, sex, color and language. Isn’t it time to reject all forms of fanaticism? Isn’t it time to spread the hands of unity and solidarity so that we can all live in a better world?

During their conference that was held in Italy this week, the leaders of the great industrial nations realized the inevitability of solving the issue of hunger in the world. This would not be achieved through the distribution of food but with the implementation of developmental projects where the poor would work and earn their living away from harm. I call upon all the kings and leaders of the world to make the earth a safe harbor for all human beings, and put an end to the many centuries of wars and destruction. I call upon all religious leaders around the world to give a helping hand in joint work for the happiness and welfare of mankind. We all need to look at the common principles of religions whose only source is God Almighty who said: “the earth is one nation and all human beings are its inhabitants.” All this fanaticism leads to the destruction of the constitution of humans.

We hope for the discontinuation of this fanaticism, for the world to shine with the light of love, for all mankind to be granted the mercy of the Compassionate Benefactor, and for the human world to strive and liberate itself from the earthly chains of fanaticism. Look closely and you will discover that God created all human beings, and He is compassionate with each and every one of them and protects them. Beseech Him to eliminate the evil forms of fanaticism and selfishness to be replaced with unity in diversity and plurality.

During the meeting between President Obama and Russian President Medvedev at the Industrial Summit, a good initiative was launched to eradicate all forms of fanaticism, whereby discussions addressed seeking a new and common global money to prevent the occurrence of another economic crisis like that one that hit the world recently. The Russian President reached his pocket and took out a coin that had the phrase “unity in diversity” written on it. If a monetary union is achieved all over the world, one of the major economic obstacles to solve the problem of world poverty would be solved and the major gap between abject poverty and extreme wealth would be eliminated.