Imam visits President

The importance of tolerance, mutual respect and empathy were stressed this morning by President George Abela during a courtesy call from Imam Mohammed El Saadi.

"We have to live in peace... We should share our happiness and working for the common good should be our goal," he said.

Imam El Saadi told the President about the school in Corradino, run by the Islamic Community. This school was now in its 11th year and catered for 220 students. It was unique in that it was headed by a Christian and some of the teachers were also Christians.

The Imam pointed out that most of the students were Maltese although the school was also taking in some refugee children.

"Education is very important since this will help reduce fanaticism and secure futures," Mr El Saadi said.

He said that there were some 6,000 Muslims in Malta, including a few of Maltese origin. About 1,000 had Maltese citizenship.

President Abela promised the Imam he would be visiting the school in the near future.