Islamic centre invites Sikhs to Iftar to help them learn about Ramadan

150 Sikhs from Dubai’s Guru Nanak Darbar invited to visit the Al Manar Islamic Centre in Dubai on Friday and experience an Iftar.

Kuldeep Singh had never been to a mosque in his life. For him, an invitation by an Islamic centre in Dubai to come and experience Iftar came as a surprise.

“This was the first time anyone invited me to a mosque and have iftar,” remarked Kuldeep as he sipped water, watching other Muslims end their fast.

He was among the 150 Sikhs from Dubai’s Guru Nanak Darbar invited to visit the Al Manar Islamic Centre in Dubai on Friday and experience an Iftar.

Members of the Sikh community attending the Iftar get-together at Al Manar Centre Mosque. — KT photo by Juidin Bernarrd

“It felt very good because they explained to us about their belief and even answered some of our questions about Islam, while we were inside the mosque,” said Kuldeep. The centre is hoping to reach out to people from different faiths and help them learn more about the holy month of Ramadan. Ahmed Hashim, one of the organisers of the Iftar get-together, believes such events help people improve their understanding of Islam.

“The basic purpose of this event was to present a clear view of Islam in the light of Ramadan, and most people who came for the get-together went back with fewer misunderstandings. We plan to visit gurudwara, temples and churches and we hsave also been given a chance by church committees to speak after the weekly mass,” Ahmed said. In an exchange of pleasantries, the Guru Nanak Darbar presented a plaque with the opening verses of the Holy Quran and the Guru Granth Sahib.

Speaking with Khaleej Times, Surender Singh Kandhari, chairman of Guru Nanak Darbar in Dubai said: “It was a unique experience for me and it was a great learning experience. Having a dialogue and knowing the goodness in every human being is the biggest benefit of such inter-faith dialogues.”

For S.P. Singh, general manager of Guru Nanak Darbar, the opportunity to go to a mosque and be a part of the cultural experience was a proud moment. “We feel proud and happy that our Muslim brothers invited us with our community people.

“Together we learned about the similarities between Sikhism and Islam.”

Al Manar is a Holy Quran learning and Dawah centre run under the patronage of Shaikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, wife of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

The centre has been active in various activities to promote a positive understanding among followers of different faiths.

muaz@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE