The setting up of an award honouring works praising the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) is appreciated and welcome. "I decided to establish the [Al Borda] Award as there is nothing more blissful than honouring our Prophet," said Foreign Minister Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Although the award was initially set up for rewarding poetry written in praise of the Prophet, it has been expanded to include categories for music, documentaries, film and books for teenagers.
Given the continued stream of attacks against Islam and Muslims, it is appropriate and timely that an award is dedicated to better explain the life and teachings of the Prophet. In fact, the award's categories reflect the much ignored and neglected aspects of Islam and its contribution to the arts and literature.
Having said that, it is necessary for the award now to extend its outreach to non-Muslims where Islam, its Prophet and adherents are the least understood.
