Muslims urged to be examples for humanity

Muslims urged to be examples for humanity
By Syed Bilal Shafi, Staff Reporter
Published: September 12, 2008, 22:59

http://www.gulfnews.com/nation/Heritage_and_Culture/10244725.html


Dubai: Yasmeen Khakwani, an expert in Islamic history, has urged Muslims to follow in the footsteps of the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) in all aspects of their lives.

Addressing a group of over 350 women at the Crown Plaza Hotel, the Pakistani preacher said that a Muslim's love for the Prophet should be manifested in his/her actions.

"When we claim we love him, we need to see how much of his character do we have in ourselves," she said.

Her speech, which was delivered in Urdu, focused on different ways in which the concept of mercy was embodied within the character of the Prophet.

An emphasis was also placed on how the Prophet dealt with children, women and non-Muslims.

The speaker noted that the Messenger's "generosity, humility, truthfulness, tolerance, modesty, chastity and humour is admired by Muslims and many non-Muslims."

Dismissing claims that Islam was spread by the sword, she said: "Throughout history many non-Muslims accepted Islam by just being amazed at the teachings of Islam and the character of Muslims." The lecturer advised Muslims to be good role models for everyone.

"The present world can learn so much from this great religion," she said. "But for this to happen, our lives should be practical examples for the whole of humanity."

Local initiative

The event was held under the patronage of Princess Haya Bint Hussain, wife of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

It was part of the Mercy for the World Campaign initiated by the Dubai Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, Rashid Pediatric Therapy Centre and Al Huda International in May.

Several non-Muslims were present. A booklet, containing many quotes from Western writers, historians and Noble Prize winners praising the Prophet was also distributed. Its author, Hafsa Ahmad, who is also head of the campaign's English Department, gave a similar lecture in English.

Eman Abdullah, campaign manager, said: "We organised these lectures because Dubai has a huge non-Arabic speaking expatriate population and because we also wanted to target them."