Dubai, 18 Sept. 2009 (WAM) - The most important event yet in the in the development of Muhammad the Messenger Museum initiative was held during this year under the patronage of The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, when leading Islamic scholars and thinkers gathered to discuss ideas for the content of the pioneering project.

The keystone museum of the 21st century is being undertaken by the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority on the instructions of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed has announced the establishement of the Muhammad the Messenger Museum as the first project of its kind in the world to focus on and highlight the life and message of Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings be Upon Him) and to address misconceptions about Islam.

The Muhammad the Messenger Museum is set to become a world-class facility providing an educational experience for both Muslim and non-Muslim visitors with an emphasis on creating an educational experience for both adults and children. Visitors will be taken on a journey that will be highly interactive and informative using state-of-the-art technology and exhibits to tell the story of the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his teachings. The first of its kind museum will be a dynamic, exciting and welcoming place for all visitors of all ages and backgrounds, fostering curiosity, exploration, learning and understanding.

H.E. Dr. Omar bin Sulaiman, Managing Director of The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, pointed out that: "The gathering that took place in Dubai reflects Dubai Cultures commitment to do a thorough and extensive study for the contents of Muhammad the Messenger Museum to ensure it embodies the objectives declared by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, while launching this pioneering initiative and under directives of HH Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture). Dubai hosted a select group of world-renowned, international and local scholars and thinkers in order to discuss and confirm the ideas for the content of the Museum. All of them welcomed the project and showed their full support and encouragement; and the meetings outcome was a valuable collection of ideas that would help achieve the goals of the museum".

Some of the most respected names included from the UAE: H.E Juma Al Majid, Founder and Chairman of Juma Al Majid Group, Dr Hamad Al Shaibani, Director General of Dubai Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Department, Mr. Sami Gargash, Acting CEO of Mohammed bin Rashid Housing Est., Dr. Omar Abdel Kafy and Dr Ahmed Al Kubaisy. International scholars included: Dr. Mohammed Ramadan Al Booti Syria, Dr. Mohammad Rateb Al Nabulsi-Syria, Dr Abdullah Al Moslih-Saudi Arabia, Dr. Ali Abu Al Hasan Saudi Arabia, Mr. Ahmed Al Shugairi- Saudi Arabia, Dr. Ruqaya Al Alwani Bahrain.

The team has also met with Sheikh Hamza Yusuf, from the USA to discuss the content of the museum. Sheikh Hamza is an Islamic scholar and an American convert to Islam. As a representative of the Western Islamic society, his input has provided the project with a different and very important perspective.

"We are attempting to portray the life and message of the The Prophet (PBUH) and its impact on our daily lives in a socially pleasing, educational environment while informing visitors about the Prophets (PBUH) message of peace, compassion and mercy and the teachings of Islam that have universal relevance and value for all of mankind. We believe that a better understanding of the essence of Islam and its teachings will help dispel many of the misconceptions and bring diverse people together through understanding and the notion of co-existence, especially when the world is going through a challenging period. ," Dr. Omar explained.

He pointed out that the Museum will serve as a means of connecting East and West, Islamic and non-Islamic worlds, and different cultures around the globe by providing visitors with the opportunity to learn about this religions most influential and inspiring icon, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the tenets and rituals important to Islam in an open, welcoming, engaging and respectful manner.

Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2009.