ABU DHABI // Religious leaders celebrating the Prophet Mohammed’s birthday said people show follow his examples in humanitarian matters and justice.
Dr Ahmed Al Haddad, Grand Mufti of Dubai, on Wednesday said extremists did not understand the Prophet’s message of mercy and brotherhood.
“Muslims should spread to the world Islam’s message, which recognises all humans as Allah’s creations,” said Dr Al Haddad.
This, he told an event in Dubai held by the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments, or Awqaf, ruled out violence against others.
Islamic scholars gathered on Wednesday for a forum on values drawn from the Prophet’s legacy.
“This beautiful anniversary comes as the world is suffering from terrorism that has damaged the Islamic world and its civilisation, and has distorted the values of the religion more than any other enemy throughout history,” said Dr Mohammed Al Kaabi, head of Awqaf.
The Prophet’s birthday brought a chance to revive forgiveness, civilised coexistence and mercy, “and reintegrate them in modern values and civilisations”, said Dr Al Kaabi. “This is our message in this critical period.”
He said the recent military alliance between 34 Muslim countries followed the Prophet Mohammed’s example.
Dr Al Kaabi said that at the age of 15, the Prophet spoke up for a treaty among tribes to stand by oppressed people of Mecca, or others. After he became a messenger, he praised the tribes’ decision and described how happy he felt to have been part of it.
He was also a great example of how to run a family and society, said Awqaf’s Omar Al Habtour.
The Prophet’s life is rich with examples of mercy, etiquette, and respect of women, children, the elderly and the disabled.
Dr Mahmood Al Hawari, of Al Azhar University in Cairo, stressed the importance of loving the Prophet and making him a role model of mercy and forgiveness.
hdajani@thenational.ae
