Use tolerance to fight Islamophobia, terrorism: UAE scholars

Dubai - Scholars condemned the terrorist attacks on two mosques in New Zealand.

Islamic scholars in the UAE have called tolerance a key weapon in the fight against Islamophobia, fanaticism and terrorism. The Grand Mufti of Dubai, Dr Ahmad Al Haddad, said terrorism has no religion or identity.
Condemning the terrorist attacks on two mosques in New Zealand on Friday in which 50 worshippers were killed, Dr Haddad said: "They were killed in a place of worship worthy of respect and dignity by all heavenly religions and laws."
This "horrible massacre" has shattered the hearts of the people. "It is important to review the classifications of terrorism and look into its origins and roots. All countries and international organisations have to condemn this barbaric crime first. They have to then deal with this grave situation that reflects deeply-rooted hatred and unacceptance of others," the Grand Mufti of Dubai stressed.
"Muslims around the globe in general, and in the UAE in particular, seek out and promote tolerance."
He referred to the declaration of 2019 as the Year of Tolerance in the UAE. "We have specified a full year for consolidating the principle of tolerance among all religions and peoples. This is actually derived from Islam which is a religion of mercy and peace to all mankind."
Tolerance is the "very principle" on which the Muslim nation has been built over ages, Dr Haddad said. "The UAE has set a great example of peaceful coexistence where people are living together in peace."
The UAE strived to consolidate this "human and Islamic principle" by hosting and holding the Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together meeting recently, he said.
This "milestone conference" was attended by Pope Francis, Head of the Catholic Church, and Dr Ahmad Al Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders in Abu Dhabi, he explained. "They signed the Human Fraternity Document - a pledge hailed and acknowledged by all international organisations."
Offering a prayer for the slain worshippers, the Grand Mufti of Dubai prayed: "May Allah protect Muslims and all people against these armed terrorist gangs."
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE
• Dubai