'Preaching methods are being improved'

In an exclusive interview to Khaleej Times, Dr Al Shaibani said there will soon be an independent premises for the Charitable Affairs Section to be able to monitor the affairs of charity organisations and ensure that the money people donate goes for noble cause.

He said the Charitable Affairs Section was also planning to follow up on foreign charity services to make sure that victims, during times of crises, benefit from the aid provided to them by the UAE represented by all its charity organisations and foundations.

Speaking about the Islamic affair activities, Dr Al Shaibani said with Dubai becoming an economic hub, the department was making all efforts to improve preaching methods to help spread Islamic guidance and teachings among the non-Muslims in Dubai.

"It is also implementing plans which aim at correcting widespread misconceptions about Islam and the negative view points held by many Muslims, including the educated and some Muslim scholars who tend to interpret Islam in a way that suits them," he said.

"The department has adopted various methods of spreading Islamic teaching and extending the Dawaa as well as guiding nations towards the right path of God. Once Islam as a religion prevails in a practical way, the entire world will live well and have an easy life," he said.

Dr Al Shaibani pointed out that during 2004, around 760 new Muslims from various nationalities embraced Islam at the department which helped them a great deal to stick to their new religion and take the right path.

Preaching Islam among the various existing communities in Dubai, informing them of the importance of reading about Islam, and more importantly, altering the distorted image of Islam in the Western world, was at the top of the department's objectives, he explained, disclosing that the policy of the department was to spread the great message of Islam throughout the UAE – in prisons, schools, universities and European clubs.

Dr Al Shaibani said the department's New Muslims Section and Women Dawaa were organising lectures that are being delivered by expert preachers of the department in different languages on Islamic teachings to educate non-Muslims and Muslims about the values of Islam.

The stands and book corners which were placed by the department in various locations to display Islamic books in more than 13 different languages have been attracting a large number of non-Muslims and tourists. These non-Muslims are regularly calling the department for more information and clarifications after having read these books.

"These books have played a great role in converting many non-Muslims to Islam, particularly German nationals. The books also changed the wrong notions about Islam held by several tourists," he said.

Dr Al Shaibani said the department cannot keep track of converts to see if they are faithful or are embracing Islam just for some purpose. "But we treat them as new Muslims who are following Islamic teachings even if their intention is wrong. The department is also organising Arabic classes in Chinese and Philippines Consulate in Dubai to Muslims and non-Muslim community members."

Dr Al Shaibani said the New Muslim Section was also organising vital educational programme for new Muslims to learn more about Islam as they begin practising the religion. "These programmes aim at educating the new Muslims about the correct interpretation of many verses in the Holy Quran, guide them on the right path of God and familiarise them with Islamic principles that make them recognise what is allowed and what is forbidden," he added.

Commenting on the recent confusion on moon sighting in the region by the committee which determines Eid and Ramadan dates, he said the committee set up by the department and Ministry of Justice and Islamic Affairs was performing well so far in citing the moon in coordination with other Gulf and Arab countries.

Answering a question on the department's international contribution to spread Islam around the world, Dr Al Shaibani said the department had launched a web site that helps a great deal in communicating with other Muslims and non-Muslims around the world. This is in addition to coordination with other UAE centres and institutions in Africa, Europe and Asia, he added.

He pointed out that the department was also organising regularly training programmes for its preachers, imams and employees in various religious positions to enhance their performance and duties in educating the people about Islamic teachings and values.

"The department launched a new strategy in appointing imams and muezzins based on their educational qualifications and performance. The new strategy includes that the imams and muezzins should hold bachelors and masters degree and they had memorised the Holy Quran completely or part of it," he said.