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His Excellency Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of The World Muslim Communities Council (TWMCC), has delivered a lecture under the title: “Coexistence, Diversity and Acceptance of Differences” at the UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta.

The lecture was attended by Indonesian President's Special Envoy and Former Foreign Minister, His Excellency Prof. Alwi Shihab; President of the UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, Her Excellency Prof. Amany Burhanuddin Umar Lubis; Ambassador of the UAE to the Republic of Indonesia, His Excellency Abdulla Salem Obaid Salem Al Dhaheri; in addition to government officials, community leaders and academic staff represented by members of the university's teaching staff and students.

During his speech, Dr. Al Nuaimi said that Indonesia, the country with the largest Muslim population, is considered one of the best examples of coexistence and tolerance. "Indonesians should be proud for being the community that reflects the true image of Islam, the religion of coexistence and mercy", he noted.

Dr. Al Nuaimi lauded recognising 2022 in Indonesia as the year of "Tolerence", adding that as Muslims, we should consider when talking about tolerance that we don't seek tp make a propaganda or promote political or other goals, but rather for believing that tolerance is one of the foundations of our true Islam.

The Holy Quran mentioned Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) saying; "We have sent you forth as nothing but mercy to people of the whole world".

His Excellency added that some are trying to abduct our religion, and minds of our youth and children; noting that he had cited the verse to confirm that our religion and our Prophet is not a mercy for Muslims only, but rather a mercy for  the whole world.

He said that wherever we go, we will find that there is diversity in these societies through different religions, races, cultures, colors, and affiliations, and everyone should be aware that he must believe in the values of coexistence and acceptance of the other.

Dr. Al Nuaimi explained that when the Holy Prophet came to Medina, he found that among the components of society were followers of different religions, including the Jews. At that time, he announced the "Al Madina Newspaper", the first citizenship document in the world. He also received a delegation of Christians from Najran in the Prophet's Mosque while they were wearing their crosses. His goal was not to invite them to Islam, but rather to engage in dialogue with them. This delivered a message to the companions of immigrants and supporters that Islam accepts the other and coexists, regardless of religion and faith.

WMCC Chairman affirmed that we should realize that coexistence and acceptance of others is the way to live in security, stability and peace; noting that Indonesia is a homeland that shelters everyone regardless of their religion or affiliation.  This also included a message within that the homeland is the one that unites all these differences.

"We have to realize that there are differences in religion, belief, or sect and understanding of religion; not only today but hundreds of years ago. This difference was present among the scholars and those who preceded us, however, there was mutual understanding and respect, and this is life", he further added.

Dr. Al Nuaimi said that the spread of Islam worldwide was due to peace, tolerance, mercy and good dealing with others, and we as Muslims, should be proud of that and should not leave the opportunity for terrorist and extremist groups that are trying to abduct our religion and distort its reputation.

He added that we had to realize that our ancestors carried the message of introducing this true religion through good dealings, and today we are the ones who carry this message; pointing out that God created us different and we have to respect these differences, which are undoubtedly reflected in the extent of our understanding and definition of religious teachings and values, and this is an issue we must understand well.

He addressed the audience that they should realize that being Muslims would not conflict with being Indonesian, as some are trying to send a message that affiliation must be to the nation and not the homeland.

At the end of the lecture, a copies of Dr. Ali Al Nuaimi's book "Coexistence with Diversity and Difference" were distributed in the Indonesian language, and souvenirs were exchanged with President of the UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, Her Excellency Prof. Amany Burhanuddin Umar Lubis.