Islamic scholars say it is time for talks with West

Cairo: Islamic scholars at a conference on the continuing furore over caricatures of the Prophet said it was time to stop protests and boycotts.

They called for a dialogue with the West in order to explain the Prophet's importance to Muslims.

At a Friday conference, about 40 Muslim scholars from across the Islamic world signed a declaration appealing to Muslims "to exercise self-restraint in accordance with the teachings of Islam."

"We reject countering an act of aggression by actions not sanctioned by Islam," the statement said, alluding to the publication of the cartoons and the subsequent violent protests.

The statement also appealed to the Danish government and people "to apologise, condemn and bring to an end this attack".

"It is our duty and responsibility to move on to the stage of discussion and inform the world about our Prophet by disseminating and making known his character traits, noble qualities and high moral standards," the conference statement said.

Amr Khalid, a 39-year-old moderate Egyptian preacher, told reporters after the conference that peaceful protests were inevitable but it was time to move forward.

"It is a sign that the Islamic community is alive. The boycott was a must but now it is time for dialogue," he said.

Egypt's mufti, Ali Gomaa, emphasised the forgiving nature of the Prophet but added: "We won't stop supporting our Prophet, and preaching in a gentle way."