Highlight true principles of Islam, says Mohammad

Abu Dhabi: General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, on Monday received religious scholars from various Islamic countries who were invited by President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Shaikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in the Western Region, Lieutenant General Shaikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Dr Hamdan Musallam Al Mazroui, Director of the General Authority for Islamic Affairs and Awqaf, shaikhs and guests were also present.

Shaikh Mohammad reaffirmed that Islam was a religion of peace, love, brotherhood and understanding. Shaikh Mohammad said that the scholars' objective would be to guide and raise awareness in people about the principles of tolerance in Islam, and to refute all false claims directed towards the religion. He also urged them to enlighten young people on the true values and principles of Islam and to not adopt extreme measures.

Shaikh Mohammad also wished the scholars a pleasant stay in the UAE, pointing out that the country was the second home for Shaikh Khalifa's guests.

The guests thanked Shaikh Mohammad for supporting education and scholars. They praised his programmes in these fields in regard to the Ramadan majlis lectures hosted by Shaikh Mohammad, pointing out that the lectures promoted dialogue and education. They expressed their pride in this noble gesture.

The guests also expressed their gratitude for inviting religious scholars on an annual basis during Ramadan, which was initiated by Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

They said the programme also helped encourage dialogue among scholars, which in turn helped exchange knowledge and ease the process of offering studies to benefit the Muslim community.