IN times of tumult such as these, it takes sagacity and courage to rise above the clamour and appeal to people’s common humanity.

In Europe, where the past few weeks have witnessed horrific violence, much of it perpetrated in the name of Islam, it was heartening to see voices raised and gestures made over the weekend to bring people together, instead of tearing them apart.

For example, the statements made by Pope Francis upon his return from Poland reflect a desire for inclusivity rather than ostracism. The pontiff said it was unfair to equate Islam with terrorism, observing that “it’s not right and it’s not true”.

He added that the militant Islamic State group was “not Islam”. Elsewhere, in several churches across France and Italy, including the famed Notre Dame cathedral in Paris, Muslims attended Catholic Mass in solidarity.

This gesture came in the aftermath of the brutal slaying of an elderly French priest in a town near Rouen last week by two Muslim extremists.

Cynics would say these gestures mean little, especially considering the terrorist threat Europe currently faces. However, it can also be argued that such gestures and healing words send a message to all types of extremists — Islamist militants as well as the European far right.

To the militant Islamists, the message is that Muslims can and do live with other faith groups in harmony, despite the militants’ divisive rhetoric.

This message applies equally to the Islamophobes, who demonise the entire Muslim community for the crimes of a few, and who insist there is no place for Muslims in Europe.

It would be wrong to assume the extremist threat has subsided. But what events over the weekend have shown is a constructive way of dealing with crises.

Muslims in Europe and the wider West should continue to build bridges with governments and other faith communities, and help point out black sheep, while the state and society in Europe should also make greater efforts at outreach and not ostracise the entire Muslim community.

Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2016