(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) "We must start at home, where parents can raise their children in an environment that leads to nurturing a well-educated generation." His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, has called for a rational counterterrorism approach based on the adherence to noble values and morals to eliminate the evil forces that have no part in Islam.
"We must distinguish between the true Islamic faith and the terrorist groups that claim to be fighting under the banner of Islam. Loyalty to values and ethics is a practical and realistic solution in dealing with extremist and radical groups. A military approach or the use of sanctions will only fuel terrorist groups and feed extremism, leading to the creation of new factions, adopting the same approach," Dr Sheikh Sultan told UAE media at a special gathering held at Sharjah Book Authority's (SBA) pavilion on the sidelines of the London Book Fair (LBF 2017).
"We must start at home, where parents can raise their children in an environment that leads to nurturing a well-educated generation. They will be able to think with reason and adapt to changes around them," said Sheikh Sultan.
New books
Dr Sheikh Sultan, a celebrated author and historian, revealed that he is working on a substantial historical work involving three volumes. The first is a historical manuscript that went missing 200 years ago, in which an adventurer gave a detailed description of the Arabian Gulf coasts.
"I found the manuscript at a time when the entire world, in particular the Portuguese, was looking for it. I will release it in its full size in order to benefit education centres and researchers who are studying the region's history," Dr Sheikh Sultan told the editors.
On his writing style, the Sharjah Ruler said: "I was a storyteller, reading books for students in the neighbourhood. I used my own technique and this is why a narrative style has suited me so well ever since I was a child. I am also completely dedicated to the quality of my work. I read and re-read every chapter at least 10 times to ensure the accuracy and credibility of the information and I do not hesitate to delete as much as I need until I am entirely satisfied."
"The second book, entitled I Condemn, involves manuscripts depicting abusive treatment against Muslims in Andalusia. It is a document written by a lawyer defending Muslims and my role is to present this to the Spanish people, literally saying "I Condemn". This work is among the most important that I write in serving Islam. I am looking forward immensely to praying in Cordoba Mosque and hope dearly that in the future, a day will be dedicated to Muslims just as it is to their Christian brothers."
Sheikh Sultan's third book, Sharjah between Protection and Colonialism complements the historical events in a previous work, Under the Flag of Occupation, in which he chronicled Sharjah's history under the British rule.
Sharjah between Protection and Colonialism shows how the emirate was transformed into a complete military base that brought together a huge number of troops after shifting the colonial military forces from Aden to Sharjah.
Arab conflicts
When asked about conflicts among Arabic nations, Dr Sheikh Sultan said: "Relations between Arabs are among the worst in the world. Military campaigns, wars and struggles are everywhere in the Arab region - whether it is Yemen, Syria, Iraq or Libya, we see turmoil and violence all around us. We see for ourselves the killing and suffering through television, newspapers and other media."
He attributed the ongoing conflicts to a lack of values and morals in Arab communities. "The magnitude of destruction and loss of life experienced in the Arab world is shameful. This is due to a lack of ethics and I truly hope that Arabs in general will embrace and promote the Islamic moral system in their communities to end these horrors."
He conveyed a message to the local and wider Arab media which highlighted the crucial role that can be played by the media in boosting and strengthening morals and entrenching Islamic values. "You can all be partners in this by carrying good, accurate and reliable information and refraining from reporting whatever ignites division, racism and all forms of corruption."
"At this critical time in our history, we are in dire need of rational voices that call for understanding and reconciliation for the benefit of Arab countries. I hope that the media will play their part in carrying out this mission," Sheikh Sultan said.
Islam and tolerance
Recalling the emergence of Islam and the calling by Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), Sheikh Sultan said: "The call to Islam came during difficult and deteriorating conditions experienced by Arabs in Makkah. Today, we are experiencing a new form of Jahiliya - a pre-Islamic era of ignorance that needs to return to the sublime values of Islam. As Islam brought Arabs back to dignity and glory after they were divided into warring tribes, we can rise again through our faith.
"The most important thing we can do is preserve our religion. I put forward my philosophy in a play entitled Daesh Wa Al Ghabra. As the Arab nations built their civilisations on Islam, we too can reignite our civilisations today."
The play focusses on war and its elements of revenge, vengeance and hate. Sheikh Sultan appeals to those who create these conflicts to stop killing and inflicting cruelty, and calls on them to practise tolerance, reconciliation and compassion.
Islam's role in unifying cultures
His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, highlighted the historical role of Islam in unifying cultures. "The achievements made by the Islamic world throughout history show that there was no discrimination against Muslims in many essential fields such as science, discovery and education on the grounds of their ethnic backgrounds. For centuries, Islam has brought together many nations under one identity based on morals and noble values.
"We must stick to what unites us and reject anything that divides us. What drives us apart today are unfounded accusations, blame, humiliation and injustice, all of which are prohibited by our religion."
Dr Sheikh Sultan said that the Islamic moral system is all that is needed to strengthen communities in the face of the devastation, strife and conflict engulfing the region.
Regarding the UAE's emphasis on reading to strengthen knowledge and culture in future, Sheikh Sultan said: "It is not necessary for every member of society to be highly educated, what is more important is to be brought up with sound values, and this is the duty of mothers and fathers."
He highlighted the role of society in promoting morals and enhancing Islamic values. "Every Muslim must embrace the ethics of Islam and be a partner in spreading good deeds. This role is not confined to religious clerics. Each of us has a duty to represent our religion through its commitment, knowledge and science, and all Muslims should know more about their religion and its foundations."
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