His Eminence the scholar Sayyed Ali Fadlallah met, at the Al-Tawhid Mosque in the Norwegian capital Oslo, a delegation from the Assembly of Schengen Scholars in Europe, appreciating the efforts they make and the great role played by preachers and callers in Western countries. He pointed to the difficulties they now face because of the changes that have come over concepts and values, which means that callers now need to devise new methods that will draw people - especially the younger generation - toward attending and being present in mosques and Islamic centres in order to preserve their religious and cultural identity. He thanked those taking part in the session for their effort and their giving and wished them continued success.
Continuing his tour of Norway, His Eminence the scholar Sayyed Ali Fadlallah visited the Al-Mustafa Centre in the far south of Norway, in the presence of a large number of members of the Lebanese, Iraqi and Afghan communities.
At the outset His Eminence thanked those running the centre for the time and effort they expend to preserve the faith of the generations and to spread awareness and culture, pointing to the role the centre plays in bringing together the different communities and its care to make use of all the energies present.
His Eminence pointed to the great responsibility that falls on everyone in fulfilling the important role of making people aware of their duties toward God Almighty and of life's responsibilities, together with the need for us to measure ourselves against the Holy Quran and the traditions reported from the Prophet and his household, so that we may draw from these treasures and be sure that we are moving in the right direction.
His Eminence the Sayyed pointed out that the importance of Islamic centres in the West lies in reminding people of God and acquainting them with their religion, which came as a mercy to the worlds; in calling for commitment to spiritual, ethical and human values; and in seeking knowledge and wisdom to the furthest degree. Hence the importance of being present and attending at these centres, which strengthens the relationship with God through the spiritual side, with knowledge to enrich our thought, and with mercy and tolerance to strengthen relations among the components of the society in which we live.
He also stressed the need for parents to be careful to raise their children and to fortify them against deviation through effective and beneficial educational methods.
His Eminence closed his remarks by calling for communication with and openness to Western peoples, respect for the law, and presenting Islam in the best image after it has been distorted and presented as hostile to civilization and humanity.
