Invitation to int'l seminar on da'wah

UNIVERSITI Islam Sultan Sharif Ali is inviting speakers and participants to their International Seminar on Islamic Da'wah in the Era of Globalisation slated for October 3 and 4 at the International Convention Centre, Berakas.

Organised by UNISSA's Faculty of Usuluddin, the seminar is themed 'The Islamic Da'wah: Development and Progress'.

Deputy Dean of Faculty of Usuluddin Dr Hjh Rasinah Hj Ahim, in her capacity as the seminar's co-chairperson, said that the decision to focus on the issue of da'wah (propagation) for the seminar was because of the development in Info-Communication and Technology (ICT) that accelerates the change that influence the Muslim community's way of life.

"This trend also influences the development of da'wah," Dr Hjh Rasinah told the media in a press conference held yesterday.

Islamic propagator need to be aware and follow the change lest they be left behind in mastering the latest knowledge, Dr Hjh Rasinah said.

"It is important as preparation in managing any challenges and issues related to dissemination of da'wah through the use of ICT," she added.

The seminar will discuss da'wah in various aspects such as in businesses, ICT, food and many others, she added.

Seminar sub-topics will revolve around areas of da'wah specialisation, the need for da'wah and its challenges in the era of globalisation; institutions and sharing of experiences in the field of da'wah; contributions and acheivements of promiment Muslim scholars; communications skills and methods of da'wah.

The seminar will also focus on the difficulties in training daie (Islamic propagator) and provide a strong basic foundation in da'wah throughout the Islamic institutions, she added.

It will also evaluate the role of the da'wah played by the contemporary/new media.

The seminar also seeks to identify challenges faced in disseminating da'wah and methods in overcoming these challenges.

Dr Hjh Rasinah also hoped that the seminar will help in applying the concept of universality of da'wah in the globalisation era and enable them to share experiences to find the best method in spreading Islam.

Da'wah has developed and changed as it goes through several levels, phases and era, said Dr Hjh Rasinah.

"The changes that we mean here is not on its contents but the changes in terms of its methodologies and instruments in disseminating da'wah to members of the public," she added.

The seminar will feature 30 working papers that will be presented in either Malay, English and Arabic languages.

Two renowed religious figures, Sahibussamahah Mufti Egypt Professor Dr Ali Jumaah from Egypt and Al-Habib Omar Hafiz al-Hasyimi al-Husayni from Yemen, are expected to present their papers at the seminar.

The seminar is open to all academicians (local and foreign), representatives from government and private institutions, higher educational institutions, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and private individuals.

Dr Hjh Rasinah said more information about the seminar can be found at the Facebook page (www.facebook.com/isdeg2012). Alternatively, interested parties may email to isdeg2012@gmail.com or get in touch with the seminar's secretariat at +673 2462248 or send a fax to +6732462233

Seminar registration forms can be obtained at UNISSA's administration counter and Faculty of Usuluddin.

Completed forms together with Telegraphic Transfer slip can be faxed to +673 2462233 or emailed to fees.isdeg2012@gmail.com.

The closing date for registration is on September 29.

Registration fee for participants is $150 (foreign), $100 (civil servants), $50 (private individuals) and $30 (local students).

Dr Hjh Rasinah said the seminar hopes to call Muslims to stand strong via da'wah based on Al-Quran and Sunnah.

The seminar is also one venue for many to deepen their knowledge and raise awareness amongst Muslims to not be complacent with today's social changes.

The Brunei Times