Should they move on, they will always look at the bright side of it and, from time to time, recall certain happenings that gave them pleasure or pain. If the job they do is gratifying and they interact with it, memories will always come back, bringing in a sense of pleasure.

For me, working for Arab News has always been most gratifying. My column, Islam in Perspective, provides a dual service. It explains Islamic beliefs, principles, values and practices, and it interacts with readers, replying to their questions and explaining how they should deal with their problems in a way that is acceptable to Islam. As someone who is committed to Islam, believing that it is the way God wants humanity to follow, I feel honored that I have had this opportunity to undertake such a service. I have been helped by all editors in chief, but most of all I am indebted to Khaled Almaeena whose encouragement and advice have always been most valuable.

The approach I followed throughout these 29 years meant that Islam in Perspective should steer away from controversy. Therefore, it concentrated on presenting the truth of Islam in a simple way. We looked at what the Qur’an has stated and what the Prophet (peace be upon him) explained. We did not need anything else. This has had an amazing effect on readers. Many were those who wrote saying that Islam in Perspective helped them understand their faith better. They said that old notions, learned through tradition and social practices, were shattered. They could not have seen the beauty of Islam without removing such mistakes. Others said they learned about Islam what is totally unknown in their own countries.

From readers’ reactions we realized that there is much injustice going on in many Muslim societies and that these are always associated with Islam. Unfair practices with regard to inheritance, marriage, divorce and child upbringing are often found in human societies. Islam accepts no injustice. Hence we have concentrated on such issues, discussing at length women’s position in Islam, and the fact that equality of men and women is enshrined in our faith. Wherever we go, people tell us that Islam assigns an inferior position to women. Even in Muslim countries people’s behavior appears to endorse this fallacy. Putting the record straight and showing that women play a full and equal role in Islamic society remains a primary concern. We hope that we have made a major contribution in this area, as well as many others where injustice and wrong understanding of Islam are intertwined.

For me personally, Islam in Perspective has become an indispensable part of my life. Over the years, I wrote my articles and answered readers’ questions in different parts of the world. It travels with me wherever I go. Even when I am on holiday, having sent my work in advance, I still think of it and how it can and should be improved. While it was not the only job I was doing for much of the time, it was always the priority that could never be displaced. Nowadays, when the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (peace be upon him), has been wrongfully attacked from different quarters, how can anyone who knows even a little about Islam and its prophet refrain from presenting the truth about the man who taught humanity every good thing, and taught nothing but good? Yet, here in Arab News, we never tried to refute the fallacies that are thrown at Islam’s doorstep. They are too trivial to be taken seriously. All we do is to present the truth and the reality of Islam. The fallacies are then, sooner or later, exposed for what they are.

With Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his teachings we have found great blessings and life comfort. We have related his life, the most appealing and enriching ever known on this planet. We have shown his method: loving, caring, compassionate to all mankind. We have explained his manners: most gentle, polite and trusting. We have outlined his teachings: always aiming to ensure the best for the individual and society.

The message of Arab News and its Islamic page is to tell people that, unlike what much of the world media describe, Islam is a message of love, care and compassion to all mankind. This is how the Qur’an sums up Muhammad’s message: “We have sent you as a (manifestation of Our) grace toward all the worlds”. (21: 107)

— Adil Salahi was the executive director of Al-Furqan Islamic Heritage Foundation in London and has edited the Islam in Perspective ever since it started, 29 years ago.