Sheikh Nasser Datumanong, one of the speakers, during the forum. Photo by Allyster Berthe Astronomo

Members of Davao City’s Muslim community gathered last Dec. 3 at Room F213 of the Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) in a forum dedicated to forming a clearer understanding of Jesus’ role and impact in Islam.

The forum featured Sheikh Ebrahim Datumanong and Sheikh Nasser Datumanong as its speakers, who both tackled a variety of topics, ranging from discussing the similarities and differences of Islamic and Christian narratives, analyzing the birth, life, and death of Jesus, and fostering a culture of understanding and openness between the two faiths.

The speakers emphasized the importance of reinforcing Islamic doctrine during Christmas time, as the festivities surrounding the birth of the central Christian figure has allowed the Muslim population to absorb Christian beliefs regarding Jesus.

Books related to the forum’s topic were also given out, including a translated copy of the Qur’an and Simon Caraballo’s ‘Ang Dakilang Pag-Ibig Ko Kay Hesus, Ang Naghatid sa Akin sa Islam.’

The ‘Do You Know Jesus in Islam?’ forum was made possible through the efforts of SALAM: The Ateneo Muslim Society and the Integrated Muslim Youth Federation, Inc.