True brotherhood among people in Oman, says Zimbabwe’s Mufti Menk

Energy Saturday 08/December/2018 21:09 PM
By: Times News Service
True brotherhood among people in Oman, says Zimbabwe’s Mufti Menk

Muscat: People in Oman live in true brotherhood, said the Grand Mufti of Zimbabwe, Sheikh Ismail bin Musa Menk, during his recent visit to Oman.
“One unique thing that stands out about Oman is that the people are brothers in the true sense – you can feel the bond between the people of various faiths and sects. That is a unique gift that we need to preserve,” said Mufti Menk, who visited Oman for the first time.
Also read: Two women in Oman embrace Islam
While speaking exclusively to the Times of Oman during his visit, the internationally renowned Islamic scholar said that he had always heard about Oman and its people, and added that Oman reminded him of Al Madina Al Munawara, one of the holiest cities in Islam located in Saudi Arabia.
“Looking at the response I am getting from the people in Oman, if I was to say ‘overwhelmed’, it wouldn’t serve justice to how I feel and I am just getting used to it now. The hospitality, the people, the nature, the weather, the surroundings and so much more of Oman that I am seeing during my stay; I am just intrigued and impressed.”
“One thing that stands out is as I have lived in Al Madina Al Munawara for many years, Oman reminds me of it; the surroundings and some of the mountains make it seem as if I am exactly in Madina. As we were heading towards Nizwa, I realised they are very similar, even the nature of the people. If you look at Al Madina Al Munawara, the people are calm. I have always heard about Oman and how warm and hospitable the people are, but I am experiencing it now,” Mufti Menk added.
He was initially invited to visit Oman three years ago but couldn’t make it. “The people of Oman invited me to come here three years ago and it took us three years to make arrangements. I pray that we can interact in a good way and that we can all become better people and learn to develop our relationship with the Almighty and the relationship with the rest of the creatures of the same Almighty,” Mufti Menk said.
He added that after talking to the Deputy Grand Mufti of Oman, he might be a part of some of the Ramadan programmes.
During his visit in Oman, Mufti Menk delivered three lectures over three days—December 6, 7 and 8 at 7.15pm on each day. The topics of the lectures were “The True Message of the Prophets”, “Islam in the Modern World” and “The Role of Women in the Islamic Civilisation”.
The event was organised by the Sultan Qaboos Higher Centre for Culture and Science.