UAE | Heritage and Culture
Preachers 'must focus on upbeat Islam'
A Saudi scholar has called for upbeat and feel-good Islam to be preached and said scholars should teach Islam's tolerance and respect of life.
- By Samir Salama, Bureau Chief
- Published: 23:09 October 2, 2007
Abu Dhabi: A Saudi scholar has called for upbeat and feel-good Islam to be preached and said scholars should teach Islam's tolerance and respect of life.
Dr Aidh Bin Abdullah Al Qarni said the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) is a universal prophet, just as Islam is a universal religion. He was speaking at the majlis of General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces,
"Islam is the universal order, the integral religion of harmony, and the Almighty Allah sent his Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) to deliver glad tidings to mankind about his infinite mercy and justice."
Dr Al Qarni quoted the Quran as saying: "And we have not sent you except as a mercy to mankind."
He said the Prophet "taught us kindness, justice, mercy, coexistence with others, and Allah created us differently so that we can get to know one another."
Dr Al Qarni called on Muslims to be rightful representatives for their religion.
"Muslims should show people the world over their good manners, their attitude of hard work, how they can succeed in these societies, what they can add, their positive integration while maintaining pride in Islam - so people know how really great this religion is."
He suggested by doing this Muslims will restore the good image of Islam that has been distorted as a result of its misuse by both Muslims, especially extremists and non-Muslims for their own goals.
Dr Al Qarni said Allah specifically calls upon Muslims to treat the People of the Book, that is Jews and Christians, well. He quoted the Quran as saying: "Only argue with the People of the Book in the kindest way... Our God and your God are one and we submit to Him."
He said Muslims should work to establish a system that brings different societies into relationships of mutual tolerance and peace.
"Certainly it is one of the main duties of a Muslim to invite people of other faiths to join Islam, but at the same time they must treat such people well and justly whether they answer their call or not. Muslims' constant goal should be the welfare of all humanity, for as Almighty Allah said, 'You are the best nation ever to be produced before mankind.'"
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