SWEDEN’S MUSLIMS LAUNCHES KNOW PROPHET DAY

Muslims in Sweden’s fourth largest city Uppsala on July 18 organised a special day devoted to introducing the noble traits and characteristics of Prophet Muhammad (may Allah bless and greet him) and addressing media-propagated misconceptions. “We are presenting one of the world’s most famous persons,” IslamOnline.net cited Ibrahim Blicksjo, a spokesman for the organisers, as saying. “Why? Because we want to spread his message to the people and to give them a fair chance to get to know him.” The day, themed “Muhammad, Messenger of God”, was organised by the International Association of Science and Culture, and held in Stora Torget, the biggest square at the heart of the city. The first of a kind in Sweden, the event introduced the prophet to Swedes through his life story, message and merciful teachings. Organisers believe the Uppsala event, the first of its kind in Sweden, is much needed because people lack the basic knowledge about Islam’s prophet and message. “The Swedish society of today does not know much about Prophet Muhammad. They actually know nothing about him,” regrets Blicksjo, a Muslim convert. He heaps the blame for that on the media which propagates only misconceptions and insults about the prophet and Islam. “Mainly what they know about Islam is what the media writes,” says Blicksjo. “We want to give the right image of Prophet Muhammad to set the records straight and defend him against all lies propagated about him.”