The Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs, represented by the Department of Da'wah and Religious Guidance, conducted the first session of the 11th Ramadan dialogue programme 'Wa Amenhum mein Khawf', at the Imam Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab Mosque Sunday.
The first session, moderated by Sheikh Moaz Ahmed Yousef al-Qasimi, discussed the importance and position of monotheism (Tawheed) in the Islamic faith as well as key issues and concepts related to the topic.
Dr Ahmed al-Ghareeb, a preacher, addressed the duality of monotheism and empowerment, highlighting monotheistic examples in the lives of the companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him).
Dr al-Ghareeb discussed the nature of curricula for teaching monotheism, emphasising the need for age-appropriate educational programmes that are accessible to all Muslims, highlighting that the concept of monotheism is a fundamental and unifying issue in Islam. For his part, Dr Turki bin Obaid al-Marri, a faculty member at the College of Sharia and Islamic Studies at Qatar University, underscored that awareness of monotheism (Tawheed) preserves the Muslim community's identity and prevents the weakness that some people currently experience.
He emphasised the importance of raising young people with a clear understanding of Tawheed from an early age, noting that this concept is not merely a word or a theoretical exercise. Rather, it entails avoiding any rigid adherence to slogans that end up dividing the community under the guise of affirming monotheism.
He observed that the community is in a precarious state but remains resilient due to its connection to the Qur'an. Despite severe trials, including recent events in Gaza, it continues to stand united behind a single principle and a single word of truth.
Addressing the current signs of frailty within the community, Dr al-Marri noted that this weakness manifests on numerous fronts and that these challenges were prophesied by the Prophet (peace be upon him), who foretold the community's tendency to imitate previous nations in every aspect.
He also discussed the notion of freedom, pointing out that some segments of society advocate the principle that one is free so long as no harm is caused to others. He remarked that this idea can be traced back to Aristotle and is prominent in Western thought, often accepted without question by younger generations.
This, he argued, reflects a misunderstanding of freedom as defined within an Islamic framework, since humanity is ultimately bound by Allah's commands and by the principle of monotheism, which is rooted in personal acceptance and conviction rather than compulsion.
He questioned calls for unlimited freedom by citing the verse "There is no compulsion in religion," clarifying that this does not mean people are free to choose or reject religion arbitrarily; rather, it means that true monotheism must arise from consent and conviction, which cannot coexist with coercion.
He described other contemporary interpretations as misreadings of scripture that align with Western values instead of being grounded in authentic Islamic teachings.
Dr al-Marri said that returning to monotheism (tawheed) entails a renewed commitment to the Qur'an, which he described as the indispensable source of life and salvation for the Muslim community.
Meanwhile, Dr Mutlaq al-Jasser, a professor at the College of Sharia and Islamic Studies at Kuwait University, addressed an interpretation of the verse: "Those who believe and obscure not their belief by wrongdoing, theirs is safety; and they are rightly guided."
He noted that some scholars differ on whether these words continue the speech of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) or constitute a direct statement from Allah, favouring the latter view. According to him, the verse promises security to those who believe, uphold monotheism, and avoid associating any partners with Allah.
He explained that when this verse was revealed, the Prophet's Companions became anxious because they assumed wrongdoing referred to any act of sin. However, the Prophet (peace be upon him) clarified that wrongdoing here denotes Shirk (polytheism), indicating that believers who maintain their faith free from idolatry are the ones who attain security. This assurance, he said, comforts believers both in the Hereafter and in worldly life as well. He added that believers who firmly grasp that life and sustenance rest in God's hands realize that no harm can befall them except by His permission, and no one can take away their livelihood unless He wills it.
Al Jasser cited the Prophet's saying that if the entire community joined forces to either benefit or harm someone, they could not do so unless God has decreed it. He considered this teaching the ultimate path to security in the present life. Individuals who are steadfast in their belief in God's oneness will gain a profound sense of tranquility even in worldly affairs.
