Muslims urged to tackle misconceptions on Islam
The Chairman of the Crystal Muslim Organization (CMO) Mallam Mohammed Shettima has urged Muslims across the country to be proactive in showcasing Islam and Muslims as part of measures to correct deliberate misrepresentation of Islam. He gave the advice yesterday in Abuja at the 12th annual Essay Competition, Seminar and award presentation of the organisation […]
The Chairman of the Crystal Muslim Organization (CMO) Mallam Mohammed Shettima has urged Muslims across the country to be proactive in showcasing Islam and Muslims as part of measures to correct deliberate misrepresentation of Islam.
He gave the advice yesterday in Abuja at the 12th annual Essay Competition, Seminar and award presentation of the organisation themed “Islam and Culture”.
The competition’s three categories are ‘Islam in my Daily Life’, aged 13 and bellow (200-250 words); ‘Conflict between Islam and Culture, the way Forward’ aged 14-17 (500-700 words) and ‘Impact of Islam on the African Culture’, aged 18 and above (1000-1250 words).
Nine winners, comprising the top three winners of the three categories were given prizes and certificates, while the top ten of the categories were giving consolation prizes.
According to him many Muslims are victims of deliberate media and other formers of mis-interpretation of their religion and that there must be sustained and increasing efforts to remedy the situation.
“We believe writing is a key component of correcting this mis-interpretation and misrepresentation of Muslims and the religion. The journey has been interesting and it is also important for others to join us to contribute their quota. The organisation itself was founded in 2006 by a group of concerned Muslims with the aim of enhancing the better understanding of Islam among Muslims and non-Muslims,” Shettima said.
He said the organisation has largely achieved its primary objective of developing the reading and writing ability of Muslim youths, undertake building of schools and orphanages in order to promote peaceful coexistence among Muslims and non-Muslims in line with the teachings of the holy Quran and Hadith.
The guest lecturer, Egyptian born and America-based Sheik Muhammad Salah, who spoke on the theme of the event said there was no clash between Islam and culture, and that what is required of all is to drop the wrong doings and act righteously with the dictates of Islam to earn Allah reward.
He cited examples including the Pre-Prophet Muhammad era when wealthy Arab used to display their generosity but with majority only wanted to be known for such.
He said this has however been modified from show-off to being an act of worship and earning Allah’s reward.