It was half a century ago that two Muslims, Imam
Zubercoch and Abdul Rahman, fought for peace in the
Korean War as part of the UN forces and in the process
introduced Islam's holy book, the Koran, to Korea. On
Friday, the country celebrated the golden anniversary
of their mission.
Sponsored by the Korea-Middle East Association,
prominent figures in Korea's Islamic community along
with foreign dignitaries and Korean lawmakers gathered
to commemorate the anniversary.
Muslims came together to say evening prayers before
breaking their fast during the holy month Ramadan with
the “iftar” meal. Though such observances seem alien
to many, Islam is said to be the fastest growing
religion on earth and followed by one-fifth of the
world population.
Korea now has some 100,000 Muslims, more than 30
percent of whom are Koreans. That Islamic
fundamentalists were behind major terrorist acts
worldwide has meant that many ordinary Muslims face
discrimination. But religious leaders insist Islam is
a peaceful faith.
"It's a shame that many Koreans associate Islam with
terrorism. Those terrorists have nothing to do with
our religion. It's wrong to say they are Islamic
fundamentalists, they are just from anti-American or
anti-Israeli groups. Islam's ideologies are peace,
equality and brotherhood," one said.
The Korean government has tried to ensure that not all
Muslims are tarred with the same brush. "We have
established an important forum, the Korea-Middle East
Forum, and we have held two conferences already,” a
government official said. The anniversary “provides a
very important platform and opportunity for people,
academics and journalists to exchange views and
appreciate the history and culture and religions of
Koreans and Muslims."
Korea is putting on exhibitions of Islamic art,
cultural performances and friendly football matches,
film screenings and food festivals to deepen ties
between non-Muslims in Korea and the Islamic world.
Arirang News
No comments:
Post a Comment