Bandar Seri Begawan- Understanding, accepting and respecting other cultures and religions are vital to spreading Islam, as these make it easier for non-Muslims to comprehend the ways of Islam.
These sensitive approaches are to be emphasised during the six-day Basic Dakwah Course that will be attended by 65 participants - officers and staff of various ministries and departments.
"When we understand the religion and culture (of nonMuslims), they become more comfortable as they see that there is an apparent acceptance of their beliefs," Juliana Budin, a public relations officer at the Islamic Dakwah Centre, said in an interview with The Brunei Times. "They would be more willing to interact (with us)."
The course is basically aimed at educating and guiding participants on how to interact with non-Muslims whom they directly or indirectly interact with, particularly those living in rural areas. It is also to disseminate knowledge on different beliefs as well as other issues related to it. She explained that the course, which is held annually, will involve visiting rural areas. This year the course participants will be visiting the Menderam Besar Long House in Mukim Labi, Ulu Belait. "We will also be visiting them nearing the time for Maghrib prayers. The participants will be performing the prayers in the long house, as well as having meals with them to show the Muslims` acceptance of nonMuslims and not stereotyping them," she said.
"The participants will then be divided into groups to give them the opportunity to interact with the indigenous people and they all can have a discussion on Islam. We use a soft approach to encourage them," she added.
Juliana Budin said that the course would be beneficial to participants because it prepares them to respond to any inquiries regarding Islam.
The course will be conducted by 10 officers of the Islamic and Guidance Conservation Section, Women Guidance Course Unit and the Lectural and Media Electronic of the centre, which is Brunei`s main office for the propagation of Islam.
The topics which will be covered include Dakwah Methodology towards Non-Muslims and Introduction to the Christian Religion and its History. The course starts today and ends on May 26.
Source: www.brudirect.com (21 Mei 2007)
