Latest news with #DepartmentofIntroductiontoIslamandCulturalExchange
Muscat Daily
24-03-2025
- General
- Muscat Daily
MERA promotes religious tolerance at Ta'aruf Nizwa
By OUR CORRESPONDENT Nizwa – Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs (MERA) organised the third edition of Ta'aruf Nizwa last weekend, reinforcing its commitment to promoting religious tolerance and coexistence. The event aimed to introduce non-Muslim residents to the values of Islam and Omani society's deep-rooted traditions of peace and mutual understanding. According to Saad bin Sulaiman al Kindi, Head of Department of Introduction to Islam and Cultural Exchange at MERA, Ta'aruf Nizwa reflects Islam's core principles of mercy and tolerance. 'Such events help build bridges between cultures and present Islam in a civilised and humane manner,' he said. Oman has long been a model of religious dialogue and peaceful coexistence, Kindi noted, citing the sultanate's historical role in spreading Islam and fostering interfaith understanding. The event featured an exhibition with three sections – one showcasing Omani identity and traditional attire, another dedicated to women, and a third offering multilingual publications about Islam. Attendees also viewed a visual presentation on the significance of the Quran and participated in cultural competitions introducing Omani customs and traditions.
Observer
22-03-2025
- General
- Observer
Nizwa hosts 'Taaruf' event to promote culture, Islamic values
NIZWA: The Directorate of Awqaf and Religious Affairs in Al Dakhiliyah, represented by the Department of Introduction to Islam and Cultural Exchange and the Women's Education and Guidance Center, in partnership with Madayn Nizwa, hosted the third edition of 'Taaruf' event at the Intercity Hotel in Nizwa. This initiative aimed to introduce non-Muslim expatriates to Omani culture and the core values of Islam. Held under the auspices of Dr Khalaf bin Salem al Ishaqi, a member of the State Council, the event included a variety of activities such as a lecture on 'Modesty in Omani Society' by Hamad bin Salem al Dhaheri, a volunteer at the Grand Mosque's Islamic Information Center. The talk highlighted modesty as a fundamental Islamic value promoting respect, kindness, and moral integrity. One of the highlights of the event was the personal stories shared by new Muslims, recounting their journeys to Islam and the profound impact it had on their lives. 18 individuals — 17 women and one man — embraced Islam, citing the kindness and hospitality of Omanis as key influences. Nizwa hosts 'Taaruf' event to promote culture, Islamic values The programme also featured an interactive session on the Quran's universality, a cultural quiz, and a communal Iftar, giving participants a firsthand experience of the unity in Muslim prayer and fasting traditions. Saad bin Suleiman al Kindi, Head of the Islamic Awareness and Cultural Exchange Department, emphasised that such events foster interfaith understanding and showcase Oman's longstanding tradition of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence. He also highlighted Oman's historical role in spreading Islam through dialogue rather than conflict, positioning the country as an ideal venue for such initiatives. Through 'Taaruf', Oman continues to promote cultural exchange, religious harmony and the values of Ramadhan, compassion, generosity and unity.
Observer
12-03-2025
- General
- Observer
New converts experience holy month to the fullest
Those who have recently converted to Islam are fully embracing iftar and suhoor alongside their predecessors, sharing their experiences with the world. Speaking at the eighth edition of Taaruf, an annual event aimed at promoting understanding of Islam among non-Muslims and new converts, Sarah, a French national fasting for the second time in her life, shared her preparation process. She began fasting intermittently a month before Ramadhan, gradually adjusting her body to the practice. Sarah found fasting during Ramadhan easier than in other months, attributing her success to her preparation. Ulrica, a German national who adopted the name Alia after converting to Islam, expressed her smooth journey, particularly with the support of her Bahraini husband. She shared that she was initially drawn to fasting during Ramadhan for both religious and health reasons, having fasted even before her conversion. Ulrica emphasised the importance of fasting as a means of self-care, allowing time for reflection and mindfulness in the midst of daily life. Mary, a domestic worker from Nairobi, shared her experience of converting to Islam with her employer, who supported her decision. Mary expressed her admiration for the closeness to God, love for others and kindness displayed by Muslims, which ultimately drew her to the faith. She described her joy in participating in her first Ramadhan alongside her mentor, Umm Kulthoom. The event, organised by the Department of Introduction to Islam and Cultural Exchange at the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs, was held under the theme 'Quran for Every Soul'. It was attended by Azzan bin Qasim al Busaidy, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Tourism and Islamic preacher Abdur Raheem McCarthy on March 7 at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC).
Observer
09-03-2025
- Observer
Thousands gather at Taaruf to foster interfaith harmony
MUSCAT: As many as one thousand people of different faiths gathered for the eighth edition of Ta'aruf, an annual event aimed at fostering understanding about Islam among non-Muslims and new converts. Organised by the Department of Introduction to Islam and Cultural Exchange at the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs, the event took place on Friday, Ramadhan 7, 1446 AH, March 7, at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC). Under the theme 'Quran for Every Soul', the event was attended by Azzan bin Qasim al Busaidy, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Tourism and featured a keynote speech by Islamic preacher Abdur Raheem McCarthy. Taaruf, meaning 'Know Islam,' is an initiative held annually during Ramadhan to provide a platform for new Muslims and those from other faiths to explore the religion's teachings, relevance in the modern world and its perspective on global issues. The gathering serves to address misconceptions and counter Islamophobia by promoting understanding and dialogue. Taaruf 2024 aimed at fostering understanding about Islam among non-Muslims and new converts A special session featured personal testimonies from new Muslims, where they shared their experiences of embracing Islam, the impact of fasting during Ramadhan and the transformations they have felt in their lives. The event also welcomed attendees curious about Islam's core values of love, justice and mercy, demonstrating its applicability in contemporary society. Attendance was limited to new converts and non-Muslims eager to learn about Islam. To ensure accessibility, free transportation was arranged in collaboration with Mwasalat, facilitating travel to and from the venue from various points in the city and other governorates. The evening concluded with a communal iftar, symbolising unity and inclusion, offering attendees an opportunity to experience the traditions and warmth of Islamic hospitality.
Observer
03-03-2025
- Observer
Ta'aruf meet to enlighten non-Muslims on March 7
MUSCAT: Ta'aruf, an exclusive event aimed at helping non-Muslims and new Muslims gain a deeper understanding of Islam, will be held under the auspices of the Department of Introduction to Islam and Cultural Exchange at the Ministry on Friday, March 7, at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre. Now in its eighth edition, the annual event will be inaugurated by Azzan bin Qasim al Busaidy, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Tourism, in the presence of renowned international preacher Abdul Rahim McCarthy on Friday evening. Held every year during the holy month of Ramadhan, Ta'aruf seeks to enlighten new converts and individuals from other faiths about the religion's principles, relevance in modern society and its stance on global issues. Against a backdrop of misconceptions and Islamophobia, the event aims to provide a clearer understanding of Islam's true teachings. Attendance is limited to new reverts and non-Muslims interested in learning more about Islam. Participants must be 15 years or older, with prior registration required via the official website. Priority will be given to the first 600 registrants, and attendees must arrive by 4:30 pm. 'This event, followed by a mass Iftar, serves as a gateway for those seeking an authentic understanding of Islam and its divine guidance for humanity,' said a spokesperson from the Al Ifta Office. To facilitate participation, free transportation to and from the venue is being arranged in collaboration with Mwasalat from various locations across the city and other governorates.
