Friday, Jul 31, 2009

Gulf News

Dubai: In line with its preparation for Ramadan and its corporate social responsibility agenda, Aswaaq organised a four-day awareness programme in cooperation with Dubai's Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department for its non-Muslim employees.

The programme taught the participants the behaviour that they should adopt during Ramadan.

The aim of the programme was to promote communication between all staff of different ethnicities and cultures and create an atmosphere of familiarity, love and harmony during the fasting period.

The programme also included lectures by Javed Ahmad Khatib from Dubai's Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department.

The lectures introduced Ramadan, the importance of fasting, how to fast, the timings of fasting, how did Muslims start to fast and many other issues frequently asked about by non-Muslims.

The lectures also covered the customs and traditions of Emiratis during Ramadan and what matters should be avoided during the month.

Javed also talked about Eid Al Fitr, which marks the end of the fasting period, and its celebrations.

Yousuf Sharaf, Deputy CEO of Aswaaq commented on the importance of raising the awareness of people from other religions about the basics, values and meanings of Islam.

Sharaf also mentioned that many of UAE's new comers are not fully aware of the beliefs, customs and traditions and it is essential to clarify these matters so it would have a positive impact on everyone.

Samira Al Fahimi, Director of Edification and Religions Guidance Department in Dubai's Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, said: "The awareness programme was intended to spread Islamic culture and clarify the tolerant message of Islam in addition to communication with the foreign non-Muslim communities.

"Through this programme we were able to respond to enquiries and questions by the participants about Islam. Multilingual brochures and booklets explaining the unification message of Islam were also distributed."

Staff Report

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