'Clusters of Light' delivers tolerant, moderate message of Islam: Sharjah ruler

Sharjah, April 3 (IANS/WAM) "Clusters of Light", an epic operetta which presents the story of Islam since the birth of Prophet Mohammed and his efforts to spread the faith to humanity until his death, presents the true message of Islam, according to Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of the emirate of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The operetta delivers the message of Sharjah to the whole world to see how the tolerant Islamic faith does not make any distinction between people based on race, sex, and colour, Sheikh Sultan said.

"The insightful theatrical work is part of Sharjah's Islamic cultural initiative to portray the true image of moderate Islam," Sheikh Sultan said Wednesday as he welcomed the stellar cast of the work at his palace in the presence of Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmad Al Qasimi, chairman of the Sharjah Media Corporation and head of the executive committee for the Sharjah Capital of Islamic Culture 2014 Celebrations.

Sheikh Sultan expressed his hope that the work would see light in other Arab and foreign countries so that the largest number of spectators can see the bright image of Islam through the life, time and achievements of its messenger.

This epic is the product of an effort that involves hundreds of composers, technical experts, directors, designers and innovators. Its mission is to create a creative artistic work providing a true picture about Islam -- the human values and noble message that promote peace, justice, tolerance and love -- to be recorded by history and engraved in the memory of future generations.

The event, which is considered one of the largest theatrical and musical productions in the UAE, took place at the grand opening of the eamphitheatre at Al Majaz Island Sunday.

"Clusters of Light" kicked off the start of the celebrations of Sharjah Capital of Islamic Culture (SICC) 2014, and was inaugurated by Sheikh Sultan.

The operetta, which was written by Saudi poet Abdul Rahman Al Ashmawi and composed by Bahraini artist Khalid Al Sheikh, was brought to life by four Arab stars -- Hussain Al Jasmi, Lotfi Bouchnak, Ali Al Hajjar, and Mohammad Assaf.

--IANS/WAM

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