Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh Al-Nuaimi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue (DICID), delivered a lecture titled “Coexistence in Qatar” at Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) College of Islamic Studies (CIS). The lecture was attended by HBKU graduate students, faculty members, academic figures, and visitors with an interest in interfaith dialogue and peaceful coexistence.

The lecture is part of an important project on the Discourses of Hate, Tolerance and Co-existence led by Dr. Josef Meri, Historian of Interfaith Relations and the History of Religions at CIS, and engages an interdisciplinary team of scholars from across HBKU. It was delivered under CIS’ joint cooperation agreement with DICID, as well as part of the intensive scientific efforts of Dr. Al-Nuaimi towards achieving the goals of DICID, promote awareness on interfaith dialogue, instill a culture of pluralism and acceptance of others, and share these issues scientifically and practically with graduate students, the Qatari community, and its scientific and cultural elites.

The event was opened by Dr. Meri, during which he highlighted the importance of this unique session. Dr. Aisha Al-Mannai, Director of the Muhammad Bin Hamad Al Thani Center for Muslim Contribution to Civilization (CMCC) at CIS, delivered opening remarks, and stressed the importance of the joint cooperation efforts that bring together CIS and DICID, touching upon forms of synergy between the two institutions. As part of the opening sessions, a short welcome clip was displayed by Mr. Dominic Genetti, the President and General Manager of ExxonMobil Qatar Ltd.

Dr. Al-Nuaimi delivered his lecture, which began by thanking CIS and praising the efforts and achievements of Dr. Al-Mannai at DICID, CIS, and Qatar University’s College of Sharia and Islamic Studies level in particular. The lecture focused on five key points, including the presentation of a brief overview on DICID, the role of the Qatari law in promoting peaceful coexistence, real models of such coexistence in the Qatari society, and the idea of establishing DICID based on a direction from the government to broaden the culture of peaceful coexistence. Dr. Al-Nuaimi concluded his lecture by highlighting DICID’s key efforts intended to instill the culture of peaceful coexistence in Qatar.

“The vision of DICID aligns with Qatar’s vision of dealing with all nationals and residents with respect for them and their religions, and allowing them to practice their religious rituals comfortably, without prejudice to the righteous teachings of the Islamic religion or the Qatari customs and traditions. A center like DICID in the Arabian Peninsula calling for dialogue and tolerance indicates globally how Islam is a religion of tolerance and love, and refutes all allegations on attaching Islam with terrorism or any other untrue accusations. DICID reflects Islam as fully concerned with dialogue between followers of different religions, and provides them with an opportunity to coexist in Qatar as a safe, stable, and peaceful state that enables discussion of issues with followers of the other religions from different countries, and encourages tolerance and dialogue,” he said. 

Since its establishment in 2007, DICID has undertaken its natural role in maintaining the appropriate settings for training Qatari and resident youth on issues of dialogue and bringing citizens and residents together regardless of their religions through community roundtables, which provide a platform for dialogue among communities, where they discuss issues of interest in various fields, including education, health, legal matters, and the cultural life in general. The center has also initiated a dialogue between them, the Qatari society, and official organizations so that their perspectives with regards to all issues are heard. This has been made possible through collaborations between the center and various institutions, including churches in Qatar.

Dr. Meri commented after the lecture: “CIS was honored to host HE Dr. Al-Nuaimi to speak on the importance of mutual and constructive co-existence and dialogue. While cultural, religious, and intellectual diversities bring with them a set of challenges, this has been an opportune way to engage faculty and students and deepen our understanding of the importance of strengthening social bonds. As well as instilling knowledge in our students, we also aim to equip them to become leaders and change-makers in a rapidly changing world.”