Why the message in Zain’s Ramadan advert is greatly needed

An anti-extremism video clip highlighted the true meaning of faith and won many hearts

A screen Shot from Video by Kuwaiti telecoms firm Zain aired during Ramadan divides opinion with depiction of victims confronting a bomber.

Ramadan is the perfect time to reflect on our deeds, on how our words and actions impact on ourselves and other people and, indeed, on what we can do to make the world a better place.

While extremists try to spread hatred and call for violence, a video advert by Zain calling for love and peace has gone viral two days into Ramadan.

The video clip, featuring Emirati singer Hussain Al Jassmi, depicts a would-be suicide bomber confronted by a group of faithful Muslims who tell him about the true meaning of faith: to “worship God with love, not terror”, to be “tender in faith, not harsh” and to “confront with peace, not war”.

It was widely viewed and shared, inspiring a popular Arabic Twitter hashtag “Let’s Sing for Love”.

At a time when extremists are hijacking religion and using it to achieve personal and political gains, such messages are greatly needed.

Ideas can only be fought with ideas. Is there a better idea than peace and harmony?