Call for correcting the false image of Islam

The Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs concluded Wednesday the 11th Ramadan dialogue programme 'Wa Amenhum mein Khawf' (secure them from fear), at the Imam Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab Mosque.

The four-day programme brought together a select group of Islamic scholars and thinkers to discuss fundamental issues related to the Muslims' present and future, with a focus on correcting misconceptions.

The closing session addressed ways to counter Islamophobia. It was moderated by Sheikh Moaz al-Qasimi.

Dean of the College of Sharia and Islamic Studies, Qatar University, Dr Ibrahim al-Ansari said there were attempts to reinforce negative stereotypes about the Islamic world through studies, lectures, and the media, and to block any positive images of Islam in these outlets.

Dr al-Ansari emphasised the need to focus on Islamic issues that aim to correct the false image of Islam and investigate the roots and causes of the phenomenon of hatred. He called for the preparation of joint studies with prestigious Western universities that focus on detailed issues related to Islamophobia, and for the establishment of academic chairs in Western universities to combat Islamophobia.

President of the International Union of Muslim Scholars Dr Ali al-Qaradaghi said Islamophobia has religious, expansionist, economic, social and intellectual roots, citing several verses of the Holy Qur'an discussing the phenomenon.

For his part, Lebanese cleric Dr Bilal Baroudi said Muslim scholars hold the responsibility of restoring Islamic glory by erasing every ignorant interpretation that confuses Islam in the souls of its listeners.

Vice-President of the International Union of Muslim Scholars Dr Issam al-Bashir said that orientalism distorted Islam and played a major role in the growth of Islamophobia.

He slammed the collapse of Western values and its selective approach when dealing with religion, citing rejection and intransigence from the major powers against Muslims when they present their issues to the UN and demanded they be addressed in accordance with the UN laws and regulations. (QNA)