Dialogue And Coexistence In Islamic Heritage Highlighted At Abu Dhabi International Book Fair Seminar

The Muslim Council of Elders hosted a seminar titled "Dialogue and Coexistence in Islamic Heritage: Firm Foundations and Lasting Values" during the 34th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. This event was part of their cultural and intellectual programme. The seminar featured several prominent speakers, including Dr. Ahmed Abdel Zaher, Dr. Mahmoud Najah, Professor Zikrur Rahman, and Dr. Mohand Mechenene.

Dr. Mahmoud Najah opened the seminar by highlighting Islam's emphasis on reason and diversity. He noted that terms like understanding and reasoning appear over 120 times in the Quran, showcasing Islam’s foundation in dialogue. Historical examples such as the Constitution of Medina were cited to illustrate how Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) engaged in dialogue throughout his mission.

Professor Zikrur Rahman discussed India's diverse religious landscape as a divine sign promoting dialogue and understanding. He mentioned that India hosts various religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Christianity, and Islam, whose followers coexist peacefully. He praised the growing momentum in India towards peaceful coexistence based on security, well-being, and justice.

Counsellor Dr. Ahmed Abdel Zaher commended the UAE for its pioneering law against discrimination and hate speech. He stated: "The UAE is the only Arab country that has criminalised takfir (excommunication), making it a punishable offense to label others as disbelievers." A new legislative proposal is being developed to uphold human fraternity principles like equality and respect for religious pluralism.

Dr. Mohand Mechenene expressed appreciation for the Muslim Council of Elders' efforts in promoting dialogue and peace. He emphasised that dialogue should be rooted in human dignity, a value shared across all religions and philosophies. He stressed fostering tolerance, mutual respect, and acceptance amid rising hate speech, extremism, and Islamophobia globally.

Professor Zikrur Rahman also highlighted the Muslim Council of Elders’ participation in the New Delhi International Book Fair. The Council’s publications attracted significant attention from India’s diverse communities eager to engage with works reflecting Islam’s message of dialogue and peaceful coexistence.

Dr. Najah voiced concerns about platforms misrepresenting Islam by spreading distorted messages contrary to its essence. He underscored the importance of accurate representation to maintain Islam's true nature as a faith grounded in dialogue.

The seminar underscored the importance of dialogue in fostering mutual understanding among diverse communities worldwide. By promoting values such as tolerance and respect for diversity, these initiatives aim to combat discrimination and promote peaceful coexistence across different cultures and religions.

With inputs from WAM