The Sheikh Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Centre (Fanar) has organised the Cultural Bridge programme for English-speaking communities in Qatar.
Under the programme, according to an official statement from the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs (Awqaf), a lecture was held.
Titled “East and West: The Question of Values,” the lecture was delivered by noted preacher Wasim Kempson and it dealt with the common human values between the East and the West. This was to ensure that they converge on common values and ethics, and enhance understanding and communication between civilisations. The programme witnessed attendance by the English-speaking community of about 120 people.
The lecture was also accompanied by an exhibition on the most prominent values in Islamic culture. Also, an Arabic calligraphy activity was held that included writing the names of the attendees of the event.
Run by Awqaf, Fanar is one of the most important endowment facilities, and its pioneering role is evident in its global cultural mission, its architectural style, its unique location and its minaret that embraces the sky. Fanar plays an important role in highlighting Islamic culture, emphasising the cultural and civilisational meanings of Islam, its universal principles, and human values, to a wide audience of non-Muslims belonging to various races and cultures. Also, it introduces Qatari culture and the authentic Arab heritage of Qatar.
Fanar, last week, held a training programme to develop the skills of English-speaking employees in the field of translation under the supervision of one of the most prominent specialists in this field. Two lectures were held for the English-speaking and Malayalam-speaking community members.
Department of Islamic Culture held a lecture on “Islam as a Blessing: Persistence and Gratitude” for the English-speaking community. Wasim Kempson spoke about the blessing of Islam and the importance of preserving it through adherence to the true religion, correcting and refining behaviour, moderation in the call and method and promoting the relationship with God.
Another lecture was held on “Among the virtues of the religion of Islam” in the presence of about 650 persons including men and women. The lecture addressed the most prominent features of the Islamic religion in terms of doctrine, moderation in legislation and attention to various aspects of life in accordance with consideration. The Department of Introducing Islam held a workshop for the general public over a period of three days entitled “How do you use your language to introduce Islam?” This dealt with the foundations and contents of preaching, introducing Islam, the most prominent Islamic terms in the English language, the most important approaches that the preacher needs, and the importance of distinguishing between terms, their translation, and dealing with diverse personalities.
Fanar also received 17 male and female tour guides who learned about various aspects of Islamic culture. They toured Fanar’s heritage and cultural hall, watched a virtual reality film, interacted with the materials presented, asked a number of questions and listened to detailed answers about them. This visit comes in co-ordination with Qatar Tourism and is part of its keenness to train tourist guides to introduce Qatari culture and local heritage.
In addition, the Department of Introducing Islam held the Spanish Council programme, which dealt with Qatari cuisine in the presence of 28 women. The programme also had an interaction session.
