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As part of the events and activities of the 14th Dubai Ramadan Forum, organized by the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) in Dubai under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, the first non-Arabic lecture titled Islam in the 21st Century was delivered in English yesterday by renowned Islamic scholar Sheikh Khalid Yasin. The lecture was held at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) - Zabeel Hall.

In his lecture, Sheikh Yasin emphasized that the holy month of Ramadan is not only meant to follow traditions and rituals, but it is also the month to reflect upon self-improvement and empowerment. According to him, Ramadan is the month of self-improvement because Muslims should aim to be better human beings every year.

He urged Muslims to focus on creativity and innovation and to empower themselves in order to participate, compete and lead in the modern world. He also pointed out that it is essential for Muslims to develop a holistic worldview because Islam teaches Muslims to be good and perform deeds that benefit the world around them and their fellow human beings.

During the course of his lecture, Sheikh Yasin posed several questions to the audience in order to motivate, inspire and educate his brothers and sisters in Islam on the relevance of Islamic ideals in todays secular-oriented global society that Muslims are part of. These questions were: (1) How will Muslims use Quran to participate and compete in the modern world; (2) In light of the reality of todays economic world where the value of products and services measure the GDP, how will Muslims earn the respect of the world in terms of economic and industrial performance; and (3) Since the present world is a global village, how will Islam be able to offer neutral but dynamic solutions for social, family, gender-based issues that can however still be called Islamic?

Sheikh Khalid Yasin concluded his lecture with a word of advice for young Muslims. Muslims should set an example for the world by always striving to be good citizens. They should adhere to laws, respect authority, contribute to the society, and be obedient to their parents and loyal to their country, but importantly, they should remain more loyal to the moral provisions of Islam. While respecting all nationalities, they must strive to do what is right and work towards equality and economic parity in the society, he said.

Following Sheikh Yasins lecture, and inspired by his objective reasoning and sound explanation of the tenets and principles of Islam, several members of the audience stepped forward to proudly convert to the Islamic faith.

Born into a Christian family in New York, Sheikh Khalid Yasin embraced Islam in 1965. Since then, he has studied the religion extensively, and is today considered among the foremost Islamic preachers in the Western world. Sheikh Yasin currently resides in Britain, where he established a preaching institution that contributed to the conversion of more than 6,000 people around the world to Islam, especially in Britain, America and Australia, offering lectures to invite non-Muslims to Islam. He is currently the director of the Institute of Islamic Teachings in the United States. Sheikh Yasins lectures focus on a variety of topics, including youth, Islamic history, culture, and community development. He has given lectures and talks in several countries around the world.

The 14th Dubai Ramadan Forum offers a bigger and enhanced agenda of activities and events including Arabic and non-Arabic lectures, Preacher of the Nation competition, the Convoy of Goodness campaign, Be a Preacher zone, Health of the Fasting awareness campaign, mass Iftar tents, and Iftar experience for non-Muslims.

Other activities held as part of this years Forum include an exhibition on the "History and Art of Arabic Calligraphy" hosted at The Dubai Mall, and the Origins of Creation exhibition at the DWTC, which displays exclusive CGI animated posters and 3D animations containing verses of the Noble Quran explaining the origins of creation, as we know it, along with the English translation of the Quranic verses and explanation.

Members of the public attending the lectures will have the chance to win exciting prizes in daily raffle draws, including Umrah trips, tablets, and smartphones.

The 14th Dubai Ramadan Forum has attracted support from strategic partners - Al Maktab Media & Culture and Hamdan bin Mohammed Initiative of Literary Creativity, as well as main sponsors - Saeed& Mohammed Al Naboodah Holding LLC, Ahmed Seddiqi Holdings, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Dubai Media Incorporation, and Flicker Show, besides the supporting sponsors - DP World; iPhoneIslam; Tamani Marina Hotel and Apartment; Emirates National Oil Company Limited (ENOC) LLC; and Power Printing Press.

The lectures will be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) - Zabeel Hall, from June 24 to July 5, 2015 from 10:00 pm to 11:30 pm.

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