In line with its preparation for the Holy month of Ramadan and its corporate social responsibility agenda, aswaaq has organized an awareness program in cooperation with Dubai's Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department for its Non-Muslim employees to enlighten them more about the importance and holiness of the Holy month to all Muslims.
The four - days awareness program, introduced the participants to the right behavior that they should follow during the Holy month. The aim of this program was to promote communications between all staff of different ethnicities and cultures and create an atmosphere of familiarity, love and harmony during the holy days.
The program also included lectures by Mr. Javed Ahmed Khatib from Dubai’s Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department. The lectures introduced the holy month of Ramadan, the importance of fasting, how to fast, the timings of fasting, how did Muslims start to fast and many other issues frequently asked about by non-Muslims.
In addition to that, the lectures covered the customs and traditions of Emiratis during Ramadan and what matters should be avoided during the holy month. The lecturer also pointed out Eid Al-Fitr which marks the end of the fasting period and its celebrations. Mr. Javid then went on to talk about the nations that existed before Islam and how fasting was compulsory on them as well as on Muslims.
Mr. Yousuf Sharaf, Deputy – Chief Executive Officer of aswaaq commented on the importance of raising the awareness of people from other religions about the basics, values and meanings carried out by Islam and the prohibited acts so they won’t fall into them without intention or understanding the implications. Mr. Sharaf also pointed out the significant positive impact of this program on the direct relationship between all the staff in aswaaq from different religions and backgrounds.
Sharaf also mentioned that many of UAE’s new comers are not fully aware of the beliefs, customs and traditions and it is essential to clarify these matters so it would have a positive impact on everyone.
“The awareness program organized by the department with the cooperation of aswaaq was intended to spread the Islamic culture in the society and clarify the tolerant message of Islam in addition to communication with the foreign non-Muslim communities. It was also meant to present a simplified overview on the concepts, principle and teachings of the Islamic religion especially the issues related to the month of Ramdan” said Ms. Samira AL Fahimi, Director of Edification & Religions Guidance Department in Dubai’s Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department. “Through this program we were able to respond to enquiries and questions by the participants about Islam. Multilingual Brochures and booklets explaining the unification message of Islam were also distributed”, added Al Fahimi.
