Muslims would have to devise comprehensive strategies to deal with religious stereotyping, defamation and inappropriate representation of the facts against Islam, said participants of a seminar on Islamic Dawah in the West: approaches, methods and effects.
The seminar was conducted by Dawah Academy of the International Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI) at Faisal Masjid campus which was also joined by the university Rector, Dr. Masoom Yasinzai and President IIUI, Dr. Ahmed Yousif Al-Draiweesh.
In his speech, IIUI Rector stressed upon Muslims to bring a balance in actions and called for application of Islamic teachings in routine lives. Dr. Masoom Yasinzai said that IIUI is keen to provide platforms to deal with stereotypes against Islam and universities of Muslim world can pay a pivotal role in dissemination of message of Islam. He urged for dissemination of true image of Islam and stressed upon youth to take this responsibility. He directed that a conference on this subject must be conducted by the university and asked to find recommendations regarding the challenges of the hour. “We need best Muslims who should have equal knowledge of contemporary advancements and Islamic teachings and values as well” he maintained.
IIUI President said in his speech that Islam is religion of peace and it teaches about love to humanity. He stressed upon Muslim scholars to expedite efforts for dissemination of Islam’s true message which he said is” tranquility and peace”. He stressed upon the universities that they should provide a platform to the Muslim scholars to work with the students in the fields of Islamic research, image of Islam and importance of peace and dialogue.
Dr. Sohaib Hassan, a UK based Islamic scholar and writer of the book “Islam in Britain” delivered a detailed lecture on ‘importance of Dialogue in Islam’ in the lecture. “One who is in the field of Dawah (preach), he should know the context of the culture, audience and it demands wisdom as well instead of being emotional” he said. He identified the issue of global inflation and said that Islamic banking is being ignored and stressed to make societies interest free.
Rasheed Adnan, a UK based Muslim preacher, said that few elements want to create doubts about Islam and deteriorated image of Islam in west must be discouraged with politeness, said Adnan Rasheed, another speaker of the seminar.
Earlier, Dr. Sohail Hassan Director General, Dawah Academy welcomed the guests of the seminar and vowed that the academy would continue such activities. The seminar was also attended by university scholars and senior faculty members.