World Day of Muslim Culture, Peace, Dialogue and Film was observed all-over the world last Monday, March 11, 2013. This day was created in 2010 by Javed Mohammed of San Francisco who proclaimed the day as a special observance to share and discuss Muslim culture.
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I do not want to go into whether it is accepted by some Shi'a or Sunni Muslims. But the fact that as innovative as it is, it is aimed towards using culture, art and film to create bridges of dialogue and understanding among people of different faith which ultimately can lead a more peaceful world.
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Again, understanding Islam through its culture, dialogue, and ?lm in a way will give the world an in- depth knowledge of the Islamic world based on correct information, actual facts, and a true analysis of the course of events.
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At a time when Muslims and non-Muslims are seen as enemies rather than allies, at a time when many erroneously see the issue of Boko Haram as a religious ideals, at a time when both Muslims and Christians are being killed by those who hide under the cloak of religion, at a time when bombs were planted in places of worships, there is need to use the opportunity the day offers to extend the hand of fellowship to non-Muslims to exchange messages of peace. It was done in London, US, and other parts of the world.
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Undoubtedly, to take of any action that will contribute to a better understanding of the diversity of Muslim culture and in initiating dialogue with people of other faiths that may result in a more just, peaceful world, is another form of ibadaat.
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Although many Muslims are unaware of this day but it is not out of place to consciously reflect on the need for exchanging the messages of peace in and around our immediate society and continue to spread the message of peace to all and sundry. By this, we will not only be teaching Islam, we will be correcting the misrepresentation the non-Muslims have about Islam.
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That is the the best Jihad we would have done in our life time. As Muslims, we should know that peaceful activism is distinctly superior to violent activism, and that is why we need to exert more energy towards achieving peace at all areas of our lives than being violent.