Professor Ibrahim Naimi said such integrated efforts would not only strengthen the impact of interfaith dialogue forums but also enhance the reputation of the Ummah.

The DICID chief made this comment during a meeting with Abdul Aziz Valiyaveetil, executive member and overseas coordinator of the International Interfaith Dialogue India (IIDI).

Naimi and Abdul Aziz evaluated the “encouraging” outcome of “positive dialogue” platforms initiated by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, and the Doha-based World Council of Muslim Scholars.

“The synergy of these dialogue platforms should be consolidated in order to achieve their common goals,” he said.

Naimi also spoke about the 9th Doha conference on interfaith dialogue, which will be held in the Qatari capital from Oct. 24 to 26. “Social Media and Inter-Religious Dialogue: A New Relationship” is the conference’s main theme.

“We have invited prominent personalities and international organizations like the Muslim World League (MWL) to attend the Doha forum,” Naimi said.

The three-day discussions will be centered on five core topics including the emergence of communication technology, history and development; optimal use of the social communication media; and developing religious frameworks and ethical regulations to protect society from the misuse of social networking tools.

Speakers will share their views on how to make use of modern communication means for boosting dialogue between individuals and groups, how the means of social communication have contributed to weakening traditions, customs and social relations and what must be done to bring dialogue closer to the young people using modern social communication means.

Abdul Aziz, who is also director of Al-Hayat International School in Jeddah, briefed Naimi on IIDI’s plan to hold an international interfaith conference in Kerala in December with the support of MWL.

The DICID chief appreciated the idea to conduct such an event in India, a country that accommodates various religions, saying it would contribute to promoting harmony and peaceful coexistence among all believers.

“Naimi and Hamdi Blekich, head of public relations of DICID, have promised to work closely with IIDI and extended their support to the proposed interfaith conference in Kerala,” Abdul Aziz said.