DUBAI, 20 June — Dr. Omar Al-Khatib, director of Islamic Affairs at the Ministry of Endowments in Dubai, has called upon Muslims to follow the example of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) by practicing his teachings in all walks of their life.
Addressing a ceremony marking the Prophet's birth day, organized by the Lajnathul Irfanith Thauheed (LIT) here recently, Al-Khatib highlighted the significance of such events, adding that they would help promote the Prophet's teachings and encourage the public to follow them.
"Prophet Muhammad is the only example where excellence in all areas has been blended into one personality. He was a great philosopher, thinker, statesman, military genius, legislator and teacher of morals," he said, adding that the Prophet has provided guidance to millions around the world.
Dr. Abdur Rahman Al-Jarrar, director of the technical department at the ministry, said that God Almighty introduced Prophet Muhammad to show mercy to mankind who dedicated his entire life to the welfare of humanity, teaching them love, compassion, peace, harmony and social cohesiveness. "It is essential to celebrate the birthday of the Prophet to express our devotion and love, our attachment and gratitude to the greatest personality, who established peace and world order," Al-Jarrar said. "In many parts of the world, Islam has been wrongly portrayed as an extremist religion. That is totally false. Islam advocates peace and harmony."
Professor Ahmed Al-Khubaisi, dean of the faculty for higher studies, University of Baghdad, said he was delighted to see non-Arabs celebrating the Prophet's birth day. "Such occasions will provide an opportunity to understand the greatness of the Prophet." He advised the audience to learn Arabic, the language of Prophet Muhammad and the Holy Qur'an.
M.J. Muhamad Iqbal, president of LIT, briefed the gathering on the Islamic activities of his organization founded by Imam Jamaliya Seyed Khaleel Awn Moulana Al-Hasaniyul Hashimi. LIT has members in India, Singapore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Canada, America and Germany, he said, adding that its main aim is to spread peace, love and communal harmony and spread the message of the Holy Qur'an and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). More than 300 people attended the function.
