Where: Markfield Conference Centre, Leicester
by Ozcan Keles, Director of Dialogue Society, London

Abstract

Ozcan Keles, Director of the Dialogue Society, addressed an audience of Muslim converts at the Markfield Conference Centre organised by the New Muslim Project. The purpose of the speech was to emphasise the importance of compassion, understanding, proactive citizenship, dialogue and love in the teachings of the Qur’an and life of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). The speech sought to clarify and underline the nature and objective of dialogue, its scriptural foundation in Islam and the collective responsibility upon Muslims in Britain to bridge the gap between Muslims and non-Muslims. The point that dialogue is not an exercise of converting one person to another faith was made. The second half of the speech concentrated on giving practical tips as to how such dialogue could be initiated and sustained through simple efforts.