By Yazeed Kamaldien, IOL South Africa correspondent

JOHANNESBURG, September 18 ( IslamOnline) - Wisdom and not guns, believes Mohammad Alghamdi, is the weapon needed most to attract the world to Islam. As the exhibition adviser to the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Da’wah and Guidance, currently holding an Islamic cultural exhibition in South Africa, Alghamdi has planned the design of the 5000-meter-square display.

The event was opened Monday, September 16, at the Sandton Convention Center, and will continue until Sunday September 22.

Former South African president Nelson Mandela spoke of the need for tolerance
and understanding, while Sheikh Sudais of the grand Mecca mosque led a
strong congregation of men and women for maghrib prayers (early evening
prayer).

This is sixth annual Islamic Exhibition of the Islamic Cultural Forum of the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques, King Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. It is an international event held in various countries and is funded by the Saudi Arabian government. It aims to expose cultural aspects of Islam.

Included on display are models of mosques from around the world, such the massive mosques of Mecca and Medina.

Mandela said on Monday that the exhibition was much needed in society today.

“It is an honor for us to be associated with this event. We have a direct interest in fostering a greater understanding of the Islamic religion. We have a society in South Africa where Islam is an integral part of our diversity. Muslims have played an important role in our society,” said Mandela.

He added that after September 11 last year there is a greater need for
tolerance and understanding.

“World peace depends on proper understanding. The so-called war on terrorism should not be allowed to be a fight against Islam and Islamic countries. We have since called on the United States and Britain to work through the United Nations regarding Iraq. And we have called on Iraq to respect the United Nations too,” said Mandela.

The exhibition follows a four-day forum of discussions on Islamic da’wah (propagation), particularly in Africa and its institutions.

The main title was “The Islamic Call in Africa and its Institutions: Characteristics, Present Reality and Future Development”.

Sheikh Sudais said Monday, “Brothers have come from around the world to discuss Islam academically, but what are we going to realize after this? Let us be coupled with good etiquette and adorn Islam with good actions, so that the world can see Muslims are united”.

The exhibition attracted Muslim and non-Muslim visitors who marveled at hand-written copies of the Qur’an and came to learn more about one of the world’s
biggest religions. Non-governmental organizations and Islamic propagation groups invited visitors to Islam with literature and video screenings.

Alghamdi said the Saudi Arabian delegation was pleasantly surprised at the large turnout, totaling hundreds of men, women and children.

“Our annual event is to present Islam in a positive way and to strengthen the relationship between Saudi Arabia and the host country. This creates an opportunity for people to understand Islam. We display Islamic architecture and culture in a civilized, modest way,” said Alghamdi.

He added that seminars discussing Islam are to be held as part of the exhibition.

“Saudi Arabia is the heart of Islam. It is a sacred place to Muslims. I hope in future this event can be a coalition between our country and other Muslim countries,” said Alghamdi.

“We call people to Islam through wisdom, not by guns.”

Organizations present at the exhibition include the Islamic Da’wah Movement of South Africa, an Islamic educational institution for blind Muslims, various Muslim media organizations and the international World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY).

The Johannesburg-based WAMY representative, Imthiaz Jhetam, said the event offered a great networking opportunity.

“It puts us in touch with many other organizations involved in youth activities. We’ve met with various role-players and exchanged ideas. There are definitely long-term benefits that will create great cooperation,” said Jhetam.

Head of the Da’wah Department at the Cape Town-based Muslim Judicial Council (MJC), Doctor Abdullah Hakim Quick, said discussions around international da’wah activities provided insight into the sector.

“Islam has a very well-rooted history throughout Africa. This continent was the first sanctuary for the early Muslims. The conference on da’wah in Africa has been successful. It’s our hope that the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Islamic Affairs carries out the resolutions made here,” said Quick.