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Proximity amongst
Islamic schools of thought is a common Muslim demand and should
never be neglected even if others fail in performing their duties,
according to Muslim scholars attending an international conference
in London. "Proximity amongst Islamic schools of thought aims at
forming shared aspirations and common standpoints," the scholars
from around the world said in their final communiqué, according to
Islamic Republic of Iran News Agency. "These standpoints should
contribute to present a unique, united, and strong stance while
carrying on inter-faith dialogue and inter- religions discourses,"
they said. The two-day conference on the proximity among Islamic
schools of thought and the role of Muslims in diaspora was convened
at the Islamic Centre in England (ICIE) over the weekend (23-24
June) to deal with practicality of bridging the divide between
Islamic sects.
The scholars said that
controversial issues amongst the various Islamic schools of thought
should be discussed "solely within scientific and intellectual
meetings." "Satellite channels and public websites should refrain
from getting involved in addressing controversial topics in a
provocative manner to incite hatred and mutual resentment," their
declaration said. It suggested that all Muslim scholars, Islamic
intellectuals and public speakers should address their audience in
"uniting topics" and take initiatives to lead and influence the
Muslim Ummah in this direction in order to create harmony amongst
Muslims in diaspora. "Muslim Scholars are obliged to stand against
heresy and the satanic plot, mainly Fatwa of some pseudo-scholars
who declare other Muslim groups as non-Muslims," the communiqué
added.
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It
suggested that all Muslim scholars, Islamic
intellectuals and public speakers should
address their audience in "uniting topics"
and take initiatives to lead and influence
the Muslim Ummah in this direction in order to create harmony amongst
Muslims in diaspora. "Muslim Scholars are obliged to stand against
heresy and the satanic plot, mainly Fatwa of some pseudo-scholars
who declare other Muslim groups as non-Muslims," the communiqué
added. |
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ISLAMIC UNITY
CONFERENCE IN LONDON
"They must stand
against any attacks and the destruction of holy shrines such as
Imams Ali Al-Hadi and Hassan Al-'Askari (as) in Samarra, as well as
of Imam Abd Al-Qhuadir Al-Gilani in Baghdad and the companion Talha
bin 'Ubaid Allah in Zubayr/Iraq." "All scholars must unconditionally
declare they loathe and despise these despicable acts," their
declaration spelt out. It said that that the formation of religious
ways and public patterns to promote unity, mutual respect and
harmony amongst the individuals of the single Muslim Ummah should
replace fanaticism and sectarian hatred.
The scholars also condemned the knighthood bestowed on apostate
author Salman Rushdie by the British government, saying it "can only
be interpreted as a provocative step against more than one billion
Muslims."
"We firmly believe that
feelings and beliefs of nations should be respected and that people
from different civilization and religions should be given
opportunities for dialogue and common understanding; while these
acts only diminish such opportunities," they said.
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A particular theme
throughout the conference was the warning that the responsibility
for Islamic unity was shared by all Muslims at all levels,
especially after witnessing the recent dangers that have engulfed
Islam. The final declaration emphasized the importance on reviving
the Qur'anic calls and the prophetic traditions for unity
and harmony, and to promote various Muslim communities and Islamic
Centers in diaspora encouraging shared programs, such as the
anniversary of the Prophet Mohammad's (SAW) birthday.
"Muslim communities in
diaspora have rights which they should claim, and they also have
certain duties, rights and responsibilities towards each other," it
said. This struggle, it added, will "only be fruitful when things
are done according to mutual understanding, reciprocating good faith
and with the accompanying feeling of Islamic brotherhood."
The conference also called for the establishment of an action
committee that to carry on the goals set out and to work towards
establishing a co-operating committee for the Muslim scholars of
various Islamic schools of thought and different factions. Apart
from setting up the co-operating committee the ICIE in London, it
proposed that common committees be established in each and every
country where there are Muslim communities, in order to solve their
social problems in diaspora and to encourage unity. The scholars
also expressed there extreme concern about the escalating violence
created by regional and international terrorists in Iraq, which they
said was the "cradle of civilization" as well as other conflicts in
Lebanon, Afghanistan and other Islamic countries.
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