(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - The 28 were among the hundreds of Muslims and non-Muslims who flocked to the Ramadan Forum to listen to the renowned Filipino Muslim orator, Rashid Indasan, who said that worshipping one Creator is the real ‘Challenge of the Holy Quran’. Indasan welcomed the new converts after leading them to the recitation of the ‘Shahadah’. For over two hours starting at 11pm, Indasan explored the role the Islamic religion plays in the lives of Muslims living and practicing their faith in the modern world. He opened the session by explaining how he himself chose to be a Muslim. Despite having a grandfather who was born Muslim, he did not grow up being one when he was raised in Tausug in Mindanao, one of the Philippines’ main islands. He grew up attending Christian schools, and interacting with non-Muslims. He studied comparative religions after a non-Muslim classmate told him it was only their religion that would have them saved to find the answers, and probed what his grandfather had taught him all along: “Don’t forget this, there is only one God”, which alone led him back to Islam. Indasan pointed out the importance of knowing and understanding the Holy Quran. According to him, it is essential to refer to the Holy Quran in battling the challenges that non-believers would pose to Muslims. He said new Filipino Muslims have to prepare themselves, especially when they get back to the Philippines where they would find lots of challenges. Continuing an engaging talk, Indasan asked questions that the audience gladly participated in, providing their own knowledge through the Holy Quran. His explanation using interesting narratives from the Holy Quran as well as comparative notes from the teachings of other religions strengthened the faith of Muslims in attendance, and enlightened the understanding of non-Muslims about Islam. Aside from the interactive and energetic manner of delivering the talk, Indasan used his personal experiences in his extensive teachings about the truths of Islam as well as its differences compared to other religions. A question and answer session followed the enlightening talk and explained why other religions worship other gods. The 12th edition of the Ramadan Forum, which began on July 12, is organized by the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) under the patronage of Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation. The Forum continues with daily sessions every evening at the Dubai World Trade Centre until July 23. This year, it continues to witness the inclusion of special foreign language lectures in English, Tagalog, Urdu and Malayalam within its set of scheduled sessions. Those interested in attending can visit www.almultaqa.ae for more information./149
source : khaleejtimes
Sunday
21 July 2013
7:30:00 PM
443664
Some 28 people embraced Islam during the special Ramadan lecture in Tagalog on the ‘Challenge of the Quran’ at Zabeel Hall at the Dubai World Trade Centre on Saturday.