Dubai: One of the most influential Islamic preachers in the Arab world captured the hearts of hundreds of listeners during his lecture at this year's Dubai International Holy Quran Award.
"Paradise in our homes," was the topic of Amr Khalid's lecture that had the audience spellbound till the very end. Some had to sit on the stairs and stand around the auditorium, while many sat around him on the stage.
The New York Times Magazine last year described Khalid's popularity in Arab countries as "the world's most famous and influential Muslim televangelist," as he hosts a number of TV programmes along with his many public lectures in western and Arab countries.
He is also the founder and chairman of the board of trustees of Right Start Foundation International, based in the UK, and Head of the Programmes Development Department at ART (Arab Radio and Television).
He believes that for society to improve it must change from the grassroots [from the bottom up] and that the nucleus of life stems from family bonds.
Complete chaos
Every nation and country has bricks to sustain its economic, social and cultural power which is declining in the Arab and Muslim world. What is left, Khalid said is a society built on strong family relations.
"If that last brick falls than we will live in complete chaos and disaster. Let us all save that last brick. I call upon all fathers and sons to take care of their homes," he said while adding a quote from the Quran.
The world is witnessing a boost in technological advancements but there is a decline in familial relations and that is the reason behind the increase in divorce, crimes, and violence, he said to a large crowd.
"Family bonds are the real paradise of our lives. You either build a family, a generation or increasingly build prisons," he said.
Fathers in the Arab world tend to disassociate themselves from raising their children, which is an inherent problem. Youth need a positive role model that realises their talents and potentials, he noted. Among his advice to maintaining a healthy family relationship is for parents to respect and appreciate their children.
"Most crimes and violence result from individuals who never received respect or appreciation from their immediate families," he said.
