The conference was hosted by the Sudanese government where the president Umar al-Bashir delivered the opening speech. The conference, which started on the 13th November and continued for three days , witnessed several renowned scholars present papers on various topics related to the theme.

The focus of MRDF’s paper was the impact on Muslims living in the West in particular. It was highlighted that not all Western non-Muslims are the same with regard to their position towards Islam; even with the current heightened level of hostility towards Islam, there are people who respect the religion and appreciate its values and ethics. Quranic verses illustrating this point were cited:

They are not [all] the same; among the People of the Scripture [Jews and Christians] is a community standing [in obedience], reciting the verses of Allah during periods of the night and prostrating [in prayer].

They believe in Allah and the Last Day; and they enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and hasten to good deeds. And those are among the righteous.

Aal-’Imran 3:113-114

It was also mentioned that many Westerners in general do not respect the Prophets they believe in, such as ‘Isa (Jesus) and Musa (Moses); and that therefore, we should not be surprised at their attitude towards the last Prophet whom they do not accept, and whom they accuse of all immoral practices.

It was also noted that this crisis gave birth to many useful opportunities for Muslims in the West to introduce Islam to the public and to help them to appreciate and / or accept it. This was is in the backdrop of the general reaction of the Ummah, that sadly, does not set good examples on a collective level for other communities that would lead them to consider and value Islam.

In conclusion, a greater understanding of the West; one that would enable us to defend our Prophet in a more strategic way rather than through reactionary and emotional ways was encouraged. There should be a focus on studying Western values and principles and understanding them from their foundations before clarifying any shortcomings or deficiencies. This would prove to be a very constructive approach and will help in spreading the true teachings of Islam.

Shaykh Haitham al-Haddad presented the MRDF paper and also took the opportunity to appear on Sudani TV and Taybah TV channels as well as a number of radio programs.