Doha: The cultural salon at the 35th Doha International Book Fair, held at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center, hosted a symposium on religion and family support in times of crisis, as part of the cultural events of the fair.
According to Qatar News Agency, the event was held in collaboration with Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue (DICID) and Doha International Family Institute (DIFI) and saw the participation of HE Chairman of DICID's Board of Directors Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Nuaimi, Executive Director of DIFI Dr. Sharifa Noaman Al Emadi, and Director of Advocacy and Outreach at DIFI Dr. Khalid Al Naama.
Moderated by Director of Muhammad bin Hamad Al-Thani Center for Muslim Contribution to Civilization (CMCC) Dr. Aisha Yousef Al Mannai, the symposium tackled the importance of religion and sound religious discourse in enhancing tight-knit families and society in times of crisis. It highlighted the role of this discourse in strengthening the tenets of mercy, interdependence, dialogue, and social cohesion.
Presenting a paper on the role of proper religious discourse in fostering tight-knit families and society in times of crisis, Dr. Al Nuaimi emphasized that wars, conflicts, epidemics, and rapid socioeconomic transformations have revealed the necessity of a value system that enables coexistence, resilience, and adaptation amidst anxiety and perturbation.
Dr. Al Nuaimi pointed out that the Abrahamic religions recognize the importance of values like mercy, solidarity, and shared moral responsibility in preserving individual and societal cohesion during crises. He stated that Islam views religion as a civilizational and ethical system regulating human relationships with their families and societies, placing the family at the heart of this structure as "the prime nucleus" for humanitarian stability.
Both Christianity and Judaism emphasize the importance of family and shared responsibility in the moral reform of society, Al Nuaimi noted, reinforcing the idea that sound religious discourse contributes to building awareness, strengthening hope and values, and shielding families from disintegration. He further stressed the necessity of balanced discourse to confront fear, hatred, division, and loss of confidence in times of crisis.
Dr. Al Nuaimi underscored the crucial role of interfaith and cultural dialogue as a civilizational imperative bolstering understanding and societal peace. He mentioned that DICID has persistently addressed this topic, organizing the 15th Doha Conference on Interfaith Dialogue in May 2024 under the theme "Integration of Families, Faith, Values, and Education".
Highlighting the 18th issue of Adyan magazine, which focused on family issues amid contemporary changes, Dr. Al Nuaimi concluded that societal strength is not solely measured by material and technological capacities but by the ability to safeguard humanity and maintain family and social cohesion during adversity.
Dr. Sharifa Al Emadi asserted that upholding religious tenets fosters family cohesion and enhances families' ability to confront crises. She mentioned that DIFI-prepared studies have shown societies closely interconnected through religion and family have been more stable during crises, in contrast to others experiencing rising violence, suicide, and family disintegration.
Dr. Al Emadi emphasized the Arab family's natural tendency to become more interconnected during crises, enhancing dialogue and psychological support among its members. She highlighted the importance of emotional and psychological support within families, which provides children with security and reassurance, noting that parental tension directly affects children. Dr. Al Emadi urged parents to model constructive behavior in dealing with crises.
She also revealed plans for DIFI's 6th international conference next October, focusing on family welfare and cohesion in Islamic nations, particularly the role of religious tenets in strengthening family stability.
Dr. Khalid Al Naama highlighted the importance of promoting dialogue within families and building understanding between parents and children. He noted the growing intellectual and emotional gap between generations as a significant challenge for families today.
Dr. Al Naama stressed that differences in ideas between parents and children have led to "implicit disagreement," as parents' protective measures are sometimes perceived by children as restrictions or misunderstandings. He called for a reassessment of family relations and communication methods within households.
Dr. Al Naama concluded that instilling a culture of accepting differences and gratitude within families is vital. He advocated teaching respect for diversity in opinions and ideas while preserving family bonds built on appreciation and mutual support.