The young and the old join the message writing campaign at Landmark mall yesterday. (KAMMUTTY VP)
By CHRIS V PANGANIBAN
DOHA: The messages that people wrote on the wall at Landmark mall last evening apparently was not a sign of protest against the anti-Muslim film but more on spreading the messages of love and respect regardless of their creed or religion.
Initiated by Qtel, the campaign had drawn both nationals and expatriates alike who wrote their own feelings on the 21M wall across Lacoste shop to adhere with the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) and the call to stick to universal moral standards about respect for all faiths.
Fatima Al Kuwari, Qtel’s Communications Director, said the campaign was initiated since Tuesday to let all people know that as a Qatari company they are adhering with the respect to the religion of Islam and respecting humanity in general.
“Islam defends morals and promotes positive things. Some people are doing the negative reflecting badly about Islam,” Al Kuwari said. “What we wanted here is a campaign not only exclusive to Muslims but generally morals which is global standards for humanity.”
Qtel is also spreading the campaign to Facebook and Twitter to encourage wider support.
Over the past several weeks, Qtel has heard from the local community, its employees and partners that this is an appropriate time for local people to emphasise the positive, Islamic teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) – especially good words, good actions and good morals.
Al Kuwari said Qtel’s Twitter #TrueIslam had already drawn many messages and comments. The social media campaign was meant to encourage positive conversation about the topic. “I respect all creations of God ... I love my Muslim brothers and sisters.”
“I love my Christian brothers and sisters. Let’s all love and respect one another,” reads one Facebook message.
This is the second time that Qtel spearheaded the initiative. A similar campaign on messages on the wall about the good deeds that people have done during Ramadan was also held in the same venue. Universal messages of love, peace, hope and unity were prominently etched on the windows that depict light to the homes of traditional Qatari village painted across the “wall with a difference” across Lacoste shop at the height of Ramadan celebration.
The messages is one significant way to show people’s expressions about doing good deeds during the holy month of Ramadan which serves as the central theme of Qtel’s “Al Khair” (Good Deeds) campaign.
The Peninsula
