Education answer to extremism

A leading academic has warned that education is the only way to tackle religious extremism and hatred.

The principal of the Al-Maktoum Institute in Dundee, Professor Abd al-Fatah El-Awaisi, said ignorance about different religions and misinterpretation of scriptures can lead to problems in both Muslim and Western countries.

Speaking to an audience of students and academics at the institute, Prof El-Awaisi said: "Ignorance, like extremism, will lead to hatred."

But the professor said he believes there is a solution to these "global issues".

He said: "Education is the solution that will help people to break free from the chains of ignorance and rise above limited or extreme interpretations of scriptures."

Multiculturalism

Prof El-Awaisi said education would "build bridges between countries and communities".

The Al-Maktoum Institute, which focuses on Arabic and Islamic studies, was celebrating the achievements of students prior to their receiving awards from Abertay University in Dundee.

Prof El-Awaisi said the institute is an academic organisation founded to promote multiculturalism.

The body is currently promoting stronger relations between Dundee and Dubai.