Peace convention begins today

DUBAI(Wam)- The second edition of the Dubai International Peace Convention begins today with the objective of sharing ideas and solutions that help cultivate a peaceful world in which the concepts of equality and moderation urged by the Islamic religion are respected.

This event, being held under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, envisions that it will enhance religious understanding within an environment characterised by mutual respect. This humanitarian drive will be fuelled by tolerance and benefit all world's religions, not just Islam.

The convention will host a group of internationally-respected figures who have upheld the Islamic faith through their participation in various lectures, inter-faith dialogues and activities. They are all united under one goal: to encourage pure thought that is not tainted by any fallacies, mistrust or misconceptions of any kind. This is, therefore, an opportunity to spread liberal thoughts and proposals.

Among the internationally known names at this conference are Sheikh Abdul Rahman Sudais, Grand Imam of the Grand Mosque; and Sheikh Mashary, guest of honour at the convention. They will lead worshipers in prayer tomorrow. The convention will conclude on April 14.

The other speakers include Dr Zakir Naik, one of the most prominent scholars of Islam and Comparative Religion. He will be joined by great orators like Sheikh Yusuf Estes, Sheikh Abdur Raheem Green, Sheikh Tawfiq Chowdhury, Sheikh Mohammad Sharif, Sheikh Abdul Bari Yahya, Sheikh Hussein Yee, and acclaimed lawyer Mayan Kutty Mather, as well as other leading humanitarians and thinkers.

Dr Hamad Al Shaibani, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for World Peace, said: "We envision that this convention will bring fresh thinking and insights that will help to end the human tragedy of wars and unrest. We are coming together with a unified vision of overcoming religious and cultural differences, renouncing violence and using reason and dialogue as tools to cultivate universal prosperity that is nourished by tolerance." -