'More effort needed' to convey Islam's true image

More effort is needed to preserve the Islamic identity and convey its real image to the world, said delegates at the Second Sharjah International Young Muslim Women's Conference being held at the Sharjah Women's Club.

The delegates, representing 35 countries, have voiced their concerns over the role of globalisation in exporting foreign concepts to Islamic societies. They urged all Muslims to face this threat by adhering to their religious values.

They criticised the Western media for conveying a "negative image of Islam and associating it with terrorism" without portraying Islam's true face, that of tolerance and respect for other religions.

It is the duty of Muslim women to project the true image of their religion and to be aware of the plight of other Muslims and to offer them whatever assistance they can. They praised the patience and perseverance of Palestinian women who had lost a parent, brother or child in their struggle for freedom against Israeli occupation.

The conference will continue until Tuesday and will feature open discussions and lectures in addition to a Quran memorisation contest and a creative workshop. Research papers will also be presented and discussed, and a panel of judges will choose the best ones.