2009-10-27 19:40:30
WAM Abu Dhabi, Oct 27th, 2009 (WAM): HH General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, crown prince of Abu Dhabi and deputy supreme commander of the UAE Armed Forces attended on Monday a seminar on "Tolerance in Islamic history", which was delivered by Dr. Rashid Alckheon, researcher in the Islamic intellectual heritage.

The seminar held at the Palace of Sheikh Mohammed was also attended by HH Sheikh Suroor bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, HH Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Advisor, HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Department of Finance in Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saif Al Nahyan, Member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, Brigadier Sheikh Ahmed bin Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Ahmed bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan,Chairman of the Critical National Infrastructure Authority and a number of ministers and senior officials.

The scholar hailed the seminars and lectures held at the Majlis of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed and said: "I have never addressed before a gathering of thinkers and decision-makers of this level, who at the same time allow the lecturer to speak without restrictions".

He said that the Majlis is a reminiscence of the House of Debate which was founded by the Caliph of Islam Al Ma'mun.

He noted that the heritage of Islamic tolerance has been hidden in history without anyone making a real effort to unveil its beauty.

He added that tolerance itself is confusing term in the modern phraseology as it is explained a compromise between the weak and the powerful. But the real connotation of tolerance is coexistence.

"Tolerance in Islamic phraseology is forgiveness, acceptance and mutual contribution", the scholar said.

He continued: "There are more than a hundred verses in the Quran emphasising tolerance and the rejection of hatred while there is only one verse which refers to fighting. This verse was revealed for various reasons to address justifiable situations".

"Warfare is limited to a few number of days, but the natural truth is absolute and everlasting peace. Hatred is confined to limited situations, on the contrary love is the basis of all things in life", said the scholar.

WAM/AB