Awqaf’s Ramadan programme concludes
The Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs concluded its Ramadan programme ‘Amenhum men Khawf’ which was organised on its electronic platforms and social media accounts from May 2-4, with the participation of a group of scholars, under the title ‘Cultural Security and Questions of Review and Renewal’.
The programme was held within the framework of ‘Doha Capital of Culture in the Islamic World 2021’ activities.
The third and final session of the programme dealt with two themes: ‘the different other in the Muslim community’ and ‘correcting the image of Islam and Muslims’.
Head of Chad’s Cultural Center for African and Arab Research and Studies, Sheikh Dr Haqqar Mohamed Ahmed, affirmed that Islam is a message of mercy to the world, not for a particular nation, nor for a particular tribe, but rather humanity.
It is the religion that calls for peace, co-operation, love and integration.
Sheikh Dr Ihsan Kahwaji from Ibn Haldun University, Turkey, emphasised that people may differ and their beliefs and opinions may differ, not only in their religious choices and beliefs, but also in terms of political, cultural and social choices. The similar characteristic in societies often depend on the cultural characteristics that are created jointly, he said.
Director of the Imam Ahmad Bin Irfan Al-Shaheed University in India, Sheikh Dr Yusuf al-Husseini, said scholars of the Islamic Ummah should explain to people the biography of the Prophet (peace be upon him) in all its various broad and comprehensive aspects that are in fact the greatest application of Islam and faith.
The head of the Islamic Scholars and Sheikhdom in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sheikh Dr Husein Kavazovic, said at the beginning of his speech, “I commend the presentation of this vital issue, and I hope it will stimulate a process of renewal in the Islamic world, which seems to have lowered its voice. Whatever the case, the situation of Muslims at this time is very critical. They are divided and quarrelling among themselves.
“Muslims occupy the lowest ranks, politically and militarily, and have been afflicted by the scourges of favouritism and mismanagement.”
Chairman of the Association of Algerian Scholars and a member of the
Secretariat of the International Union of Muslim Scholars, Sheikh Dr Abdel Razzaq Guessoum, said “Muslims are required to devote reflections on the reality of our Islamic nation, in light of the divine teachings from the Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him).
“When we contemplate this Islamic reality, we notice that our nation suffers from tribulations and calamities. These misfortunes - including material ones, such as epidemics, high prices, and all kinds of different pests, and the moral misfortunes, such as division, the ruler’s injustice towards his people, and foreign interference in what does not concern them - required meditation.”
For his part, Sheikh Dr Konate Arna, vice president of the International University of Africa in Côte d’Ivoire confirmed that Islam is a religion of moderation.