Fadel dispels the myths about Islam

Guests chat the Oldham Muslim Centre.

AN event organised to educate Oldham’s non-Muslims about Islam has been hailed a huge success.

“A True Picture of Islam” was hosted by Fadel Soliman, a former Muslim chaplain at the American University in Washington DC.

He tackled the controversial issues of jihad (holy war), the place of women in Islam, and sharia law.

Mr Soliman explained that part of jihad is combat but this is often taken out of context.

He said: “Muslims are allowed only to engage in combat with a person who is attacking a Muslim. But even this has conditions such as not harming or killing innocent people.”

Speaking about the hijab (veil) Mr Soliman presented comparisons with the Virgin Mary.

He explained that it was nothing out of the ordinary but simply an old custom.

The underlining message was that Islam is similar to other religions.

More than 150 people attended the event, with about 80 per cent of the audience being non-Muslims.

Stewart Gilbert, a teacher from Grange School, Coldhurst, said: “I have learned so much I didn’t know before.”

“A True Picture of Islam” was organised by the Islamic Forum of Europe, the Young Muslim Organisation UK and Oldham Muslim Centre.