Arabs urged not to follow isolation path
paris — “Today, Arabs and Muslims have a fundamental responsibility to forge cultural, business and economic relationships with the world. We see this as the only way that will enable the Arab nations and the world to move past the stereotypical imageries that are constantly projected at them, from the results and actions of radicalised minorities that don’t share our values nor religion,” said His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, in a talk with the UAE media at the Sharjah Book Authority’s (SBA) pavilion during the 37th Paris Book Fair.
He explained that the primary issue in projecting an image to others lies with the fact that whenever a tragedy is struck, we tend to isolate ourselves, and run away from the problem. He also noted that as a result, fewer Arab presence is being witnessed across several international cultural events. Sheikh Sultan affirmed his efforts in providing full-support for Arab participation in upcoming events, where their presence will act a significant added value for the entire Arab world.
“Some want us to disappear and vanish from the entire global scene, and more people are betting on that. We must use our ways and intelligence to build friendships, to come closer through cooperation and partnerships, as well as work on bringing relationships together and benefiting from those values as Arabs and Muslims. We must not follow a path of separation, segregation and isolation.”
The Ruler of Sharjah expressed immense delight over the emirate’s selection as the Guest of Honour for the Paris Book Fair 2018. He stressed that Sharjah will collaborate closely with the Fair’s organising committee to ensure the largest possible Arab participation — the Arabian Gulf countries in particular, and specifically the UAE.
Importance of communication
Sharing his vision about how to communicate and treat others, especially with countries from the West, Dr Sheikh Sultan said: “Learning from others is an important detail for us, because we see ourselves part of this much larger world, which holds a variety of scientific and technical knowledge. Our contribution is derived from our rank as once the owners and founders of sciences and knowledge.
“Therefore, in order for us to communicate and reach out to others for knowledge, we must first acknowledge our significant culture, our unique identity and that we were once a major con- tributor to the Golden age, back when Europe was going through the dark ages.”
He underlined the need to abide by several cautions when building relationships with world cultures, and communicating with them. He explained: “There are many factors that we need to bear in mind when we communicate with others, we must be empowered with a strong communication skill, in order to successfully speak to others with respect to their beliefs and lifestyles.”
The Sharjah Ruler outlined the overarching trends, which continually determine the changing nature of the relationship between the West and the Arab world, and said: “Our relationship with the European civilisation can be studied through three lenses: the oriental, psychological and social lenses.”
Cultural invasion
Talking about his vision about the relation with the West, he said: “If the Western civilisation came to us by itself, without us approaching them, then this would resemble the bounceback effect of a voice, also known as echo. This effect would normally happen since we have no involvement or control over it.”
Sheikh Sultan warned against the echo of the Western civilisation, which is not compatible with the Arab and Islamic culture: “This reversed echo will harm my language and culture, and therefore, we must be aware of this cultural invasion, which came with colonists to break up our Islamic history. Colonists did not come to our region to explain the Islamic history as a block, but focused on individual acts in different ministates.
“The Arab world needs to be sure of their cultural and religious identity — celebrate its uniqueness, and proudly pass it on to the future generations. A firm realisation and understanding of one’s roots will help our people connect better with the cultures of the world, upholding and respecting each other’s differences and cohabiting peacefully in a world so rich and diverse.”
Dr Sheikh Sultan pointed at several areas of cooperation with the West, highlighting specifically the aspects of culture, knowledge and heritage.
He cited the World Heritage in Sharjah project, and said: “Each month, Sharjah hosts a country to showcase its heritage. In contrast, Sharjah participates in international events held in many other countries. It also hosts art, music and theatre-related events.”
Sheikh Sultan stressed: “Sharjah is open to knowledge-based cultural cooperation, as we believe that is the way forward for a peaceful, sustainable future for the world. Science is science, and will benefit all involved patrons equally.”
reporters@khaleejtimes.com