PRESENTATION BY MUFTI EBRAHIM DESAI (SOUTH AFRICA)

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS, APRIL 24 2006

On Monday, April 24 2006, an international business conference was held in the Netherlands. Each member was representing at least 100 or more companies around the world. Most of the members, about 90%, were non-Muslims from different parts of Europe.

In the recent past, there has been much Islamophobia around the world and much of that has emanated from incidents in Europe, for example, the Cartoon issue. The conference presented an ideal opportunity to present the true picture of Islam and remove misconceptions about Islam. The host used this opportunity and invited me to present a general paper on Islam in an attempt to present the true and correct image of Islam.

Below is a transcript of my talk at the conference. With the grace of Allah Ta’ala, the presentation was well received and many have realised the need to have a better and direct understanding about Islam from Ulama. It is my humble request and suggestion that Muslim businessmen should use their business platforms to give Da’awah to non-Muslims. Allah has blessed many of us with wealth and influence. Use your wealth and influence in business to advance the course of Islam to non-Muslims.

If all Muslim businessmen around the world dedicate some time of their business to discussions on Islam, Insha Allah, much can be achieved. You are dealing directly with influential non-Muslims and discussions of Islam with them will have a tremendous impact. Allah will be pleased and you will be fulfilling the rights of Allah through the bounties of wealth and customers which Allah sent to you. Appreciate this gift of Allah. He will grant you more, Insha Allah. Read this transcript and circulate to follow business colleagues.

Mufti Ebrahim Desai