Mutual understanding and peaceful co-existence can only be achieved through the process of dialogue, Prince Abdul Aziz Bin Saud Bin Abdul Aziz, Deputy Emir of Hail Region, has said. Inaugurating the 10th annual exhibition organized by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs at Roshan Mall here Tuesday, Prince Abdul Aziz said we should encourage the culture of dialogue between peoples of different religions and countries. He said King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, was the first world leader to moot the idea of interfaith dialogue between monotheistic religions. “Interfaith dialogue would enable us and the West to see the true Islamic teachings. That is why the United States is convening a special meeting of world leaders next month,” Prince Abdul Aziz added. Organization of such exhibitions, he said, will dispel the wrong image of the Muslims and Islam in the West since 9/11. The ministries of Islamic Affairs and Interior are making concerted efforts to present the true image of Islam and prevent the terror attacks across the world including the Kingdom. They are trying to arrive at the root cause of these attacks to root it out from the face of the earth, Sheikh Abdullah Bin Saleh Al-Hammad, Director General of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs' branch in Hail said. Several meetings have been organized between Prince Naif Bin Abdul Aziz, Minister of Interior and Ministry of Islamic Affairs officials in each region to discuss ways to deal with terrorists, added Al-Hammad. The exhibition includes several lectures. “Around 2,700 projects to call for Islam will start in Hail as part of the exhibition,” added Al-Hammad. Imams and religious scholars will be required to attend our skills development courses, said Al-Hammad. “Because of our desire to improve the Dawa techniques and in order to take advantage of modern technology we will hold a first of its kind competition via multimedia,” added Al-Hammad. The exhibition has previously been held in Riyadh, Jeddah, Makkah, Taif, Qassim, Abha, Al-Jouf, Madina and Jizan. – SG __
