More than 50,000 gather in Dubai to promote world peace

The three-day convention at the Dubai World Trade Centre concluded on Saturday as prominent speakers on Islam spoke about how to spread the message of peace and harmony.

Dubai // Islam is an agent of peace. That was the message heard by thousands of guests at the third Dubai World Peace Convention.

“Spreading Islam will make this world become a better and peaceful place,” said Sheikh Ahmed Hamed, a prominent speaker on Islam and comparative religion in the region.

His comments came on day two of the convention, which was held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and and Ruler of Dubai.

Muhammad Salah, religious adviser of Huda Satellite TV, also spoke of Islam’s role in promoting peace.

“The word peace is mentioned in the Holy Quran 140 times, which also contains the six meanings of peace, most notably forgiveness, goodness, justice and security,” Mr Salah said, adding that the religion permitted only self defense while terrorism was out of bounds, according to the Quran.

Said Rageah, director of the Texas Dawah Convention and adviser to numerous Islamic organisations in the US, discussed misconceptions about women’s role in Islam.

“It is important to clear the misconception about the status of women in Islam, which offers women freedom. This is clearly conveyed through history,” Mr Rageah said.

“Islam gives women liberation and stresses giving women their freedom of choice along the provision of Islam. Islam gives women respect, dignity, a high status and freedom and the perception stating otherwise must be corrected.

“Women are the source of strength and peace. If women understand the true source of Islam they will be able to spread the message of peace and harmony.”

The three-day convention, which attracted between 50,000 and 70,000 attendees to the Dubai World Trade Centre, was concluded yesterday.