The biggest enemy that Islam is currently facing is ignorance, and Muslims may be partly blamed for that since they do not have enough information about their religion. That was the message carried by Fadel Soliman, founder of Bridges Foundation, during a live session held inside IslamOnline.net's Ramadan tent in Second Life.

Both Muslims and non-Muslims gathered on October 10, 2007, in the tent to listen to the lecture that Soliman was giving.

"The first verse revealed from the Qu'ran gave the command to read," said Soliman. "That is the key in order for Muslims to better be able to represent their religion and explain it to others."

"I urge Muslims to learn more about their religion and how to practice da'wa the right way."

During his session, Soliman told the story of how a Professor from South Africa gave a lecture in a Minnesota university about Islam that carried many false facts. The professor claimed that the crusades were not as bloody as people think and that Islam was spread by the sword and "wiped out nearly half of the Christian population during that time."

However, Muslims students knowledgeable in Islam were able to counter all his arguments. "That is the example we need and that is why we need to learn and be educated about Islam," said Soliman. "If it wasn't for those students, the professor would have sent out to the students a false picture of Islam."

But the young preacher's message was directed at non-Muslims as well.

"To the non-Muslims in the audience I implore you to learn about Islam, because Islam is a religion worth knowing about because of its importance. But if you learn about it, seek reliable truthful sources," stressed Soliman.

Bridges Foundation is the brainchild of Soliman which he set up after the events of 9/11 to counter the negative criticism piled on Islam. The foundation holds workshops and lectures around the world explaining Islam to non-Muslims but also teaching Muslims how to represent and present their religion.

Soliman is the author of the book "The Fog is Lifting."