Islam is being misunderstood even by Muslims: Scholar

Mumbai, Nov 25 (UNI) Yassir Fazaga, an International Muslim scholar from the US, today said Islam was being misuderstood not only by non-Muslims but also by a section of the Muslim community.

''Once the people within the religious community get disconnected from their scriptures, what happens then is that people start depending on somebody else for understanding of their own religion,'' he said.

''We believe firmly that Islam can play a vital role, be it humanity, in moral science, elimination of poverty or global warming. We do believe that Islam has contributed positively in the world. But unfortunately, if Islam is being today talked about much, it is not because of its positive contribution but rather some times because of the negative behavior of the Muslims. So Islam today is being challenged greatly, where it has to prove itself,'' the Islamic scholar observed.

''The Quran says that when people are different, it gives an opportunity to know them. And when you know them, you are able to celebrate that diversity. So different cultures, different civilizations enrich us. They can't be a source of clash. They might be if we do not learn how to peacefully co-exist with one another.

Unfortunately, that is a possibility sometimes when we have irresponsible leaders from both sides of spectrum that might make us feel that way. But this is something than can definitely be avoided'', he added.

Fazaga who has his own TV show, ''Discover Islam'' on Sharjah TV and teaches Islamic Studies in the University of Preston, Ajmang (UAE), was here to deliver his lecture on ''Violence in the name of God'' at the First International Islamic Peace Conference, which was inaugurated on Friday.

The 10-day global event is seeing participation of more than 20 renowned scholars from over 10 countries.

UNI