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Brussels Islamic fair attracts thousands

Brussels Islamic fair attracts thousands
Brussels Islamic fair attracts thousands
BRUSSELS, Nov 9 (KUNA) -- The fourth annual Islamic Fair in Brussels which opened on November sixth and ends today attracted around 20,000 visitors, according to the organisers.
Karim Chemlal, a spokesman for the fair, told KUNA, that thousands of people visited the last three editions of the fair and this year the numbers are expected to be at the same level.
"It is a very successful event. The theme of the fair this time is Islam and Reform because we see that Islam has become a focus of the media and on the political level in Europe. Through this fair we try to explain what Islam is to non-Muslims," he noted.
The fair is displaying clothing, halal food, natural cosmetics, and books. One stand is selling Palestinian products while another, called Syrian Charity, explains the situation of the Syrian refugees. Travel agencies specialising in Haj and Umrah visits to Saudi Arabia have also their stands here.
Chemlal noted that the new thing this year is the exhibition on the Kaaba in Makkah and on the Seera (life) of the prophet of Islam Mohammad. "This gives a message of unity of the Muslim umma," he added.
The fair is also an opportunity for the visitors to meet and listen to speeches from intellectuals and scholars from Europe and the Arab world including Saudi Arabia, Morocco and Sudan on several topics like reform in Islam, refugee crisis in Europe, message of the Quran.
The 4-day fair was organised by the League of Muslims in Belgium in collaboration with Gedis Company which is based in Paris.
The number of Muslims in Belgium is estimated between 500,000 to 700,000 out of a total population of around 11 million. Most of the Muslims in Belgium are of Moroccan or Turkish origin. (end) nk.ha