Ramadan lecture series to tackle Islam’s ‘pressing issues’

Gathering of scholars in capital addresses terrorism and aims to put concepts such as jihad and takfir in their proper context.

Iftar meals on the first day of Ramadan last year at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. Ravindranath K / The National

ABU DHABI // Fighting terrorism and clarifying misinterpreted concepts such as jihad and takfir lead the agenda for 35 visiting Muslim scholars this Ramadan.

The 930 lectures to be held throughout the holy month vary in content, but priority has been given to pressing issues for Muslims, Dr Mohammed Al Kaabi, chairman of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments, said on Sunday.

There will be four major seminars. The UAE’s efforts in fighting terrorism will be addressed on Ramadan 6, endowment and how to develop it in modern times on Ramadan 8, the message of the mosque to achieve a peaceful society on Ramadan 11, and memorisation centres, their challenges and responsibilities will be discussed on Ramadan 12.

“Hundreds of mosques and a number of local television and radio stations, newspapers and magazines will benefit from this,” said the chairman. “There are 200 more lectures scheduled than last year.”

Twenty two neighbourhood majlises will host lectures, as will 40 government and semi-government enterprises.

Lectures will include topics such as how to raise children in an atmosphere of religious tolerance, the status and the risks of a fatwa, Ramadan as a focus for religious tolerance, and issues concerning worship, fasting and social relations during Ramadan.

Most of the scholars – 15 of whom are from Al Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt – have not visited the UAE before.

“Al Azhar is the lighthouse of moderation,” Dr Al Kaabi said.

The guests also include ministers from Jordan and Mauritania, muftis from Lebanon and Bosnia, and renowned preachers such as Sheikh Hamza Yousef Hanson from the US.

Many of the guests are specialised in challenging terrorism and extremism.

Dr Al Kaabi said they have chosen individuals with expertise to address pressing questions.

It has been a tradition since the days of the UAE’s late Founder Sheikh Zayed for the President to host scholars from all the Muslim world every Ramadan.

“Since Sheikh Zayed launched this programme until this day, we have seen members of society delighted by this initiative,” Dr Al Kaabi said.

The authority has also carried out extensive preparations for the holy month. Around Dh20 million has been spent on re-furnishing mosques “to ensure the comfort of worshippers” and air conditioning has been upgraded.

Imams have been asked to take cognisance of the hot weather during Ramadan.

“They should not extend the prayers too long, and during Friday prayers they should summarise the sermon if they notice worshippers lined up outside the mosque,” Dr Al Kaabi said.

More than 25,000 printouts on Ramadan, its practices and benefits are also being distributed.

The guests will begin to arrive on Tuesday and will be given smart phones to use during their visit.