Under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the International Conference for Dialogue and Defence for Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) opened at Imam Mohammed bin Saud Islamic University in Riyadh today. The opening ceremony was attended by Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al Al-Shiekh, General Mufti of the Kingdom, who is also Chairman of the Senior Ulema Commission and Religious Research Department and Ifta, and Rector of the Imam university Dr. Sulaiman bin Abdullah Abal-Khail, who is also Chairman of the conference's Steering Committee. In a key address, Dr. Abdulmohsen Al-Simaih, Dean King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Center for Contemporary Islamic Studies, said the conference focuses on nationalizing the concept of dialogue and activating it through introducing the great personality of the prophet (pbuh) to the non-Muslim world and cite evidences of his genuine justice and fairness. He said more than 250 moderate figures from all over the world are attending the event. As many as 120 papers will be presented over 14 sessions, he said, adding that an exhibition accompanying the conference will be casting light on the efforts to the university and other parties on disseminating the culture of dialogue and defense for the prophet (pbuh). Also addressing the gathering, were Sheikh Abdulaziz Al Al-Shiekh, who called for using dialogue to defend the prophet (pbuh). For his part, Dr. Abal-Khail underscored the importance of the conference in reflecting the true picture of the prophet (pbuh).
