UAE | General
Pope's comments on Islam unintentional, says scholar
The recent comments by the pope about Muslims stems from a lack of proper knowledge about Islam, but they 'were an unintentional', said a Muslim scholar.
- By Bassam Za'za', Staff Reporter
- Published: 00:00 September 27, 2006
Dubai: The recent comments by the pope about Muslims stems from a lack of proper knowledge about Islam, but they 'were an unintentional', said a Muslim scholar.
Dialogue and understanding are the best ways to eliminate 'ignorance and unawareness about Islam', said the prominent Syrian scholar Dr Mohammad Al Bouti during the Dubai International Holy Quran Award (DIHQA) on Monday.
There was no "bad intent by the pope and such ignorance and unawareness about Islam could be rectified through open, liberal and healthy dialogue", said Dr Al Bouti who announced that he had called the concerned Vatican authorities to meet the pope.
"I am still waiting for their reply to meet the pope, concerning that issue which must not be developed into a crisis," he explained.
The scholar was addressing a gathering and gave a speech titled Man Between Responsibility of Duty and Freedom of Belief, as part of DIHQA's events at the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
"Nowadays, there are too many people who are trying to muddle Islam and bring it into chaos. No matter how hard those people try to do so, they will never succeed in messing up our religion [Islam] and its purity," said Dr Al Bouti.
"The word freedom has never flourished in any period like it has now especially on the level of beliefs and behaviour," said Dr Al Bouti, who is a professor in Damascus University.
He said there was no contradiction between freedom and a commandment, 'but on the contrary they harmonise together'. "God has honoured and granted us the freedom to make our own decisions. We can choose to do or not to do," he said.
A person who does something unwillingly, like work, pray or pay zakat, "this does not mean that he is obedient rather it means he does not have the will to choose his actions," he added.
Latest news
- Dubai Police deny reports of Burj Khalifa fire
- New road eases traffic problems in Dubai
- Abu Dhabi hosts strong man contest
- Farmers to be taught techniques to improve yield
- Keep recycling bins open
- UAE's first home-grown unmanned aerial vehicle
- Telling stories with sand
- President of Wollongong varsity about his plans
- Challenging role in Libya
- Parachuting event promises rich fare
- UAE ministry backs efficacy of Tas'heel system
- UAE students on research trip to Antarctica
- Brothers held in Sharjah for possessing heroin
- Fund drive for displaced Syrians launched
- FNC has kept pace with development — Al Murr
Community Reports
-
Keep recycling bins open
People should be allowed to do their part as the world moves towards a greener future
-
Bridges needed
Al Ittihad Road has no pedestrian facilities as one nears Sharjah
-
Street lights needed
Authorities urged to act with haste before a major accident occurs in Al Nahda, Dubai
-
Motorists ignore stop sign on buses
Overtaking school vehicles can put students' lives at risk
