Misconceptions about Islam must be removed

ABU DHABI — If there is anything to be unveiled, it is the mask of ignorance and misunderstandings about Islam and its tenets by some sections of the society, an Indian Islamic scholar said here on Monday.

By N. Srinivasan

Published: Wed 15 Feb 2006, 10:04 AM

Last updated: Sat 4 Apr 2015, 6:47 PM

M.M. Akbar was delivering a lecture on 'Islam and terrorism' at the Indian Islamic Centre, organised by the Indian Islahi Centre.

He said that to achieve this end, there is a need for dialogue between communities, involving scholars, statesmen, diplomats and media personnel, so that the core elements of the holy Quran and the Hadith are properly conveyed.

Akbar who hails from Kerala is the author of nearly 40 books in Malayalam, some of which have been translated into English, on varied subjects such as science and religion, comparative religion and answers to criticisms.

He pointed out that the accusations of terrorism against the followers of Islam, is a result of Islamphobia that is being witnessed in the West today. The situation is exploited by some quarters to further slander the religion, which has nothing to do with terrorism, as it advocates peace and tranquility. "It is aggrandisement of self interests by some unscrupulous elements," he commented.

"What is required today is active dialogues between different sections of the community that influence popular opinions and sentiments, to explain the salient features of Islam in 'letter and spirit' with expositions on the life of the Prophet and his teachings," he said. Referring to the wave of protests triggered by the blasphemous cartoons, he said that violence is no way of resolving the problem and the preferred option is to boycott the goods and services of countries indulging in such acts of deliberate mischief.

Akbar who holds a degree in Physics, is also the Director of the Cochin-based 'Niche of Truth' that has eight branches in Kerala . Every year as many as 1,000 students, all non-Muslims, are taught the salient features of Islam through correspondence courses here.