What Does It Mean to Be Muslim in the Twenty-First Century?

The book consists of a set of letters addressed to his older son in order to help him deal with questions regarding the situation of Islam in today’s world, while also confronting controversial issues and rebutting stereotypes. These texts by Omar Ghobash raise essential questions, for example how to avoid inculcating hate and to value difference, the role of social networks in the education of young people, and how religion might be a source of peaceful coexistence, dialogue and social enrichment. His book is a contribution in the effort to keep young Muslims from extremism and violence and also aims to help any young person, whatever his or her religion, to understand and learn to identify and shun the underpinnings of hatred and xenophobia.

The letters have their origins in a fact that marked the life of Omar Ghobash, namely that his father was assassinated when he was only six years old. This meant that he grew up with the need to find answers to many questions. Now, aware that his son is also facing doubts about religion, society and the world, he has decided to accompany him along the way.

Omar Ghobash will be talking with Míriam Hatibi, an activist from Barcelona’s Muslim community and spokesperson for the Ibn Battuta Foundation, an entity that aims to offer social, cultural, educational, and employment support to immigrants from Arab countries, as well as to foster peaceful coexistence and combat racism.

This activity, for which members of the public must register in advance, is addressed to school groups.