Dubai, Apr 19 (Emirates 24/7): Openness and dialogue are crucial to promoting the real values of Islam. It is essential to think and work in the spirit of Islam and its teachings. Surrendering to God’s will does not mean being lazy and dependent. Instead, our faith in God should empower each and every one of us to make a difference in the world and promote peace, according to Sheik Mashary Rashid Al Afasy.
He said: “Talking about peace is not enough; without sharing it with others by helping them to overcome the challenges, and strengthen their ties with God. Peace comes from within and it must enhance our connection with God and make us more positive and tolerant with others.”
Sheikh Al Afasi’s comments came during the first session following the official opening ceremony of the third Dubai International Peace Convention, which is being held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Hosted in collaboration with Al Manar Quran Study Centre, the event is scheduled to run until Saturday, April 19 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
Yusuf Estes, an American Muslim preacher and former Muslim Chaplain for the United States Bureau of Prisons, led the second session on day-one. In his presentation titled ‘Call for all the Prophets’, Estes shared stories of the Prophets drawing upon his television series ‘Qisas Al Anbiyah’ (Stories of the Prophets) that addresses English-speaking children of Muslim parents.
Sheikh Estes stressed on the importance of distinguishing between happiness and peace, as the material world holds lots of temptations, which seem to human being as a source of happiness.
He said: “Soon we discover that by achieving more we want more and our journey towards happiness is never fulfilled. The real source of happiness is inner peace, which comes from wanting what we get and not from getting what we want.”
Speaking of Islam Estess said: “It is the religion of tolerance and obedience; it is the religion of sincerity. No one can force any one to be sincere as no one can force any one to be a real Muslim, sincerity and Islam both emanate from the heart.”
The second day of the Dubai International Peace Convention opened with an engaging session on the ‘Wonders of Surah Kahf’ that was delivered by Abdul Bary Yahya, an instructor with Seattle-based Al Maghrib Institute. He is also the Imam (spiritual leader and advisor) of Masjid Jaamiul Muslimeen in Seattle, WA, US.
Abdul Bary Yahya pointed out that ‘Surah Kahf’ highlights the wonder of Allah in restoring life through narrating the story of young monotheistic men who were persecuted for their beliefs. He said: “Upon the guidance of their Lord, they fled the city together, and took refuge in a cave where they fell asleep. God put them to sleep for hundreds of years. God created this miracle in order to protect the young believers. When they woke, they found themselves in a society that had converted to believing in the same God as they did.”
Elaborating on the wonders of the verse, Abdul Bary Yahya said: “In times of trials you are recommended to recite Surah Kahf every Friday. Prophet has said that whoever memorizes the first 10 verses he will be saved from the trials of Dajjal, the greatest test that humanity will face. Every prophet has warned his people of the trial of Dajjal.”
Highlighting, the role of Surah Kahf, he said, “It is a manual to live in difficult times, in times when humanity will face its greatest tests.
“We have to be the best of people, the best of the examples for which we need to follow the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah. In the times that we live in, it is even more important to stay on the right path. If you follow media, today everyone is blasting Islam, which is bad. But, there are also opportunities. If we were the best people, then it will not matter, as your neighbour, friend and classmate will realise that your action speaks so loud that the negative perception being built by the media is not the complete truth. In fact, these observers will say that whatever the media is saying about Islam is not right. We, as Muslims, have to stay by the book of Allah.”
Concluding the session, he said: “For peace, we must work for justice. Islam is not just a religion of equality but also justice.”
Sheikh Abdullah Al Kamali, from the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, led the Friday sermon and prayers, at the Sheikh Saeed Hall.
During the sermon, he talked about the meaning of peace and the importance of understanding and tolerance between people. He called for living by the tenet of tolerance that is core to Islam through offering examples from the Holy Quran. He urged the community to stay away from temptations and misconceptions that lead to division among the people. The Friday sermon was broadcasted across all DMI channels.
The three-day event invites the participation of the public in activities such as the Intelligent Peace Dome, a Science Fair, Friday prayers, the Peace Pledge Campaign, Children's Corner and the 2014 Peace Football Tournament for schools.
The third Dubai International Peace Convention is sponsored by leading companies in the UAE including Emaar as platinum sponsor, Lulu Hypermarket Group as gold sponsor, as well as Dar Al Ber Society, Sharaf Travel, Al Rostamani Group and Emirates Real Estate Solutions as silver sponsors. The Community Development Authority, Events Security Committee and Dubai World Trade Centre will mark their participation as strategic sponsors.