Scholars ask for deeper understanding of Islam

A major reason why the Muslim community is divided is that some do not embrace all the teachings of Islam. One can be free of troubles and anxieties only by fully committing oneself to the teachings of Islam, as described by Almighty Allah and Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Dr Sheikh Wasilluah Abbas and Sheikh Zafar Ul-Hasan at the 13th Ramadan Forum at the World Trade Centre on Friday night. — Supplied photo

This was the crux of the lecture in Urdu given by two eminent scholars, Dr Sheikh Wasilluah Abbas and Sheikh Zafar Ul-Hasan, at the World Trade Centre on Friday night as part of the 13th Ramadan Forum.

Dr Abbas, mufti of Masjid Al Haram in Makkah, said some were erroneously introducing new elements into monotheistic Islamic practices, which in his opinion was a sinful act. Shedding light on the various social evils that had gripped Muslim society, he urged all believers to cultivate a deeper understanding of the religion to remain uninfluenced by others.

“The audience is highly advised to continue participating in events such as the Ramadan Forum, where they get the opportunity to expand and strengthen their understanding of the religion,” he added. In his lecture on “Islam and Moderation”, Dr Abbas explained the different phases of Islam since its advent and warned the audience of the conspiracies against Muslims.

“The teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) are the only way to the path of success in life,” he said. “Introducing new things into a religion will only create more harm and confusion.”

Sheikh Ul-Hasan echoed him, saying following the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was the only way to success and adopting new things in religion would cause more harm than peace. “The Holy Quran and Islam teach us moderation in our entire life and are the only things which will keep Muslim nations on the right path.”

Alongside the lecture, Iraqi youngster Abu Hanash Abdul Rasheed gave a sermon in Arabic on “Honouring the Parents” as part of the “Preacher of the Nation” competition.

The 12-day Ramadan Forum, organised by the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, hosted a lecture in English by Wajdi Akkari on “The Permanent Abode” on Sunday evening.

The forum, held under the patronage of Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, chairman of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, concludes today.

This year, there have been more events, including educational programmes and training workshops.

Meanwhile, volunteers of the Convoy of Goodness public campaign distributed more than 1,400 promotional bags containing awareness and educational materials to both Muslim and non-Muslim residents in the densely populated area of Satwa.

Mohammed Al Hashemi, head of the 13th Ramadan Forum’s organising committee, said the campaign is to widen the scope of the forum.

“We are circulating booklets and brochures in English, Tagalog, Malayalam, Hindi, Bengali and Urdu,” he said. “These have references to the Holy Quran and Ramadan.”

ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com