Islamic organizations in Hong Kong, together with the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Asia Cultural Forum jointly organized a public forum on “Core Values of Islamic Culture”, to provide an opportunity for other sectors of the religious circle and the general public to better understand the Islamic identity and culture.

At the “Core Values of Islamic Culture” forum held on Thursday 29 July 2010 from 6:30p.m. to 8:00p.m. at Senate Room, Li Ka Shing Tower, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, two Islamic scholars spoke on the enduring values of Islam and their relevance to modern society, including Hong Kong and the Chinese people.

Dr. Amjad Qourshah, Assistant Professor of Comparative Religions and Christian Relations at Jordan University, spoke of how believers can benefit from Islamic values as it would lead to a more harmonious society. He specifically mentioned that Islam attaches great importance to “respect for the elderly, avoid hurting others and abide by covenants and agreements, and being merciful and sympathetic to children and orphans as taught by Prophet Mohammad,.”

A famous TV and radio presenter on religious affairs in the Middle East, Dr Amjad said “thefts, drugs, child abuse, robberies, parental negligence and disrespect for the elderly are all specifically prohibited under Islamic teachings. So spreading the teachings of Islam would greatly reduce crime rate and negative behaviour.” He also noted the similarities between Islamic values and traditional Chinese moral teachings.

Sheikh Turki Sulaiman Tahini, Head of Islamic Call Centre in East Hail, spoke on “Exploring the Enduring Values of Islam”.  Sheikh Tahini said that among other things, Islam “stresses and obliges unity and allegiance. It prohibits and warns against division and separation. And it attaches great importance to helping the poor and needy.”

“Islam is the religion of mercy, kindness and forgiveness. It prohibits violent extremism in all its forms, encourages Muslims to respect old people and be merciful with children. Muslims also have obligations towards parents, children, relatives, neighbors, and society in general. While due punishment will be meted out to criminals.

Sheihk Tahini, a Member of the Committee for Europe of World Muslim league, also stressed the equality of all races, saying that the religion unites all, regardless of color or nationality. And for a financial center and business hub such as Hong Kong, Sheikh Tahini referred to Islam’s prohibition against any kind of business involving injustice and harm.”

 

The forum was jointly organized by a dozen Islamic organizations in Hong Kong, said Dr. Patrick Ho, Convener of the |Organizing Committee. They included China Energy Fund Committee (CEFC), The Incorporated Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong, Chinese Muslim Cultural and Fraternal Association(CMCFA), United Muslim Association of Hong Kong,(UMAH), Hong Kong Chinese Islamic Federation, Hong Kong Muslim Women Association, Islamic Cultural Association(ICA), Hong Kong Islamic Youth Association(HKIYA), The Islamic Union of Hong Kong(IUHK), Hong Kong Dawoodi Bohra Association,  Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Asia Cultural Forum. It’s jointly sponsored by CEFC, PolyU and the General Education Centre.