Dr. Ibrahim al-Naimi, chairman of DICID Interview with the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)

12 Mar Dr. Ibrahim al-Naimi, chairman of DICID Interview with the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)

Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh al-Naimi indicated first of all that the Doha Centre for Interfaith Dialogue represents an Islamic beacon for promoting dialogue and culture of among peoples.

Dr.al-Naimi pointed to the prevalence of misconceptions about the Islamic religion and the prevalence of the phenomenon of Islamophobia in a number of Western countries. He also highlighted that a number of Islamic centers specialized in interfaith dialogue are operating in the Arab world, as well as in the West, to combatislamophobia. Their role is also to present the true image of Islam as a tolerantand peaceful religion. They seek to promote a constructive dialogue between religions for the benefit of humanity.

DICID is considered as one of the most important institutions that are active in the area of inter-religious dialogue. It seeks, through various means, including social networking, to promote dialogue between religions, understanding and coexistence between peoples, and consolidate the positive valuesamong the youth.

Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh al-Naimi pointed out, in his press statement to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the establishment of the center, that the main objective of the Center is to spread peace and love among the followers of the three monotheistic religions, the basis of which are shared values of the religious teachings.

He stressed the need for the continuation of the deepening of dialogue between the followers of divine religions to serve humanity and communities, and stressed the importance of the common efforts to combat “Islamophobia” and warn about its negative impacts on peaceful coexistence between people and mutual understanding among different faiths.

Dr. al-Naimi praised the countries that have played an important role, by supporting comprehensive dialogue between the heavenly religions, including Islam, Christianity and Judaism , that allowed to establish an sustained cooperation among global organizations and centers concerned in this regard, in order to contribute in supporting global peace.

He noted the prevailing tolerance in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) with respect to the heavenly religions, that can reassure the different faith communities residing in that part of the world, pointing, in that regard that interfaith organizations have focused, in their meetings, on the common issues between religions, and have avoided the controversial issues and beliefs that cannot be bridged or overcome.

He added the Doha International Center for Interfaith was established in 2007 on the recommendation of the Doha Conference of Interfaith Dialogue, which was held in 2003, adding that the main objective of the center is to spread peace and love amongthe followers of the three monotheistic religions first, and extended to other faiths after that, with the aim to serve thewhole of humanity.

He explained that the objectives of the center included international conferences in the field of interfaith dialogue in order to communicate with followers of divine religions and discuss issues of common concern.

He added that the center is working on internal and external levels, the DICID has set up an active cooperation with a number of interfaith institutions, on local, regional, and international levels. Through this partnership, the DICID hopes to contribute to create a global network that helps to foster relationships and coexistenceamong different religious faiths throughresearch projects and lectures.

He said that the Center aims to prepare a conscious generation of Qatari citizens and residents, with the skills they need to interact with different cultures and different faiths, so as to prepare Qatar for the 2022 world cup.

He explained that the DICID has organized training courses and competitions for students, administrators and teachers of schools and universities as well as round tables and has invited children of communities in Qatar for continued dialogue.

And he added that the DICID deals with various issues, through its activities, related to different publics, such as clerics, academics, the youth and women, that are reflected by Conferences, Roundtables, and publications such Adyan magazine and Newsletters.

In the 10 years since its inception, Dr. al-Naimi stressed that the center has become known worldwide, through communication with professionals and involving them in mutual activities and holding specialized conferences.

Dr. Ibrahim highlighted that the DICID has launched the first interfaith award, called “the Doha International Award for interfaith dialogue”. This offers support for initiatives of individuals and institutions aimed at consolidating the culture of dialogue and coexistence between communities around the world.He added that the award also aims to encourage interfaith dialogue, which faces many challenges through the presence of hate groups in the world, which witnessed a significant increase, including the institutions and individuals who are working against Islam and religions in general.

Regarding the 12th Doha Conference held in 2016, dealing with the issue of “the spiritual and intellectual security issue in the light of religious teachings” the Chairman, stressed that the Conference proceedings have been published in two books, in Arabic and English.

He was invited to take all available means, including social networks to promote dialogue between the followers of religions and promote peace, love, values and culture of co-existence, with a focus on consolidating those values in the youngergenerations. He confirmed that DICID has been deploying all efforts to raise awareness, througha number of activities, such as training courses, both internally and externally, and competitions Europe, on the best project to counter Islamophobia.

He stressed the need for coordination among the GCC countries in the field of interfaith dialogue through the establishment of joint activities, increasingGulf multilateral cooperation, leading to a positive impact for the Gulf States interfaith strategy. He highlighted its important contribution inpromoting tolerance and dialogue culture among faiths and different cultures, in the Arabregion, as well as on the international stage. This shows the important role that the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council can play in this regard, to adopt such activities and coordination among the GCC countries.

Dr. al-Naimi remarked that the Gulf is a land where followers from all religions live in peace and security, under the Islamic principles away from distortion and misinformation.