The Ambassador of India, H.E. Mr. Chandra Mohan Bhandari, hosted an Iftar at his residence yesterday, which was attended by over 400 guests from all over the UAE. They included HH Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Government of the United Arab Emirates, H.E. Syed Ali Bin Syed Abdurahman Al Hashimi, Adviser, Religious and Legal Affairs to the President of the UAE, Staff Major General Mubarak Al Khaili, Chief of Operations, General Headquarters of Armed Forces of the Government of UAE, H.E. Ambassador Ahmed Abdullah Al Musally, Director, Department of Asian and African Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of the UAE, and several senior Emirati Government Officers, Their Excellencies the Ambassadors of many countries to the UAE and a multi-religious and multi-ethnic representation from the Indian expatriate community in the UAE.

The Ambassador, in his address, alluded to teachings of the holy Qur'an, which he found to be in complete harmony with the teachings of ancient Indian scriptures. Full text of Ambassador's speech is enclosed.

Speaking on the occasion, H.E. Ali Al Hashimi wished all those present Ramadan Kareem and elaborated on several of the points highlighted in Ambassador's speech. Sheikh Ali Al Hashimi in particular commented on the four teachings of the holy Prophet (peace be upon him), which are considered "indispensable for the religious guidance of man". He explained to the audience meanings of:

1. "Actions will be judged according to intentions".
   
   
2. "The proof of a Muslim's sincerity is that he payeth no heed to that which is not his business".
   
   
3. "No man is a true believer unless he desireth for his brother that which he desireth for himself".
   
   
4. "That which is lawful is clear, and that which is unlawful likewise, but there are certain doubtful things between the two from which it is well to abstain".

Sheikh Ali Al Hashimi praised the great Indian civilization and specially highlighted contribution of Indian scholars in the spread of the teachings of the holy Qur'an. He made special mention of Mahatma Gandhi, Rabindra Nath Tagore and Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi.

The event was well covered by the UAE mainstream media, as also ethnic Indian media.