Nasr Hamid Abu Zayd was one of those great intellectual figures, whose lives and writings have taught to all of us that we can understand each other, learn from each other and live in peace with each other independently of our ethnic and religious diversities.

Furthermore, his outstanding and unparalleled research on the teaching of the holy texts beyond the literal meaning of words written in the cultural context of centuries ago, has demonstrated that religions never are an obstacle to the recognition of the fundamental rights of each human being and therefore to the basic solidarity among us upon which peace can be built.

We will miss him, but his principles will remain with us and will give vision and strength to our unchanged commitment on behalf of the dialogue among civilizations.

Giuliano Amato is a member of the Board of Governors of Reset-Dialogues on Civilizations.