Muslim scholars move to fight Islamophobia

Muslim scholars around the world have proposed to initiate an intercultural partnership to effectively fight Islamophobia. More than 1,000 religious scholars and intellectuals from 127 countries took part in an International Conference on Islamic unity, titled “The perils of Labelling and Exclusion” held in Makkah, Saudi Arabia on Wednesday. It was organized by the Muslim […]

Muslim scholars around the world have proposed to initiate an intercultural partnership to effectively fight Islamophobia. More than 1,000 religious scholars and intellectuals from 127 countries took part in an International Conference on Islamic unity, titled “The perils of Labelling and Exclusion” held in Makkah, Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.

It was organized by the Muslim World League (MWL). The participants of the conference called for a comprehensive plan to address sectarianism and extremism.

They also stressed the need for creating effective channels of communication between followers of different Islamic schools of thought to remove misunderstandings and increase cooperation.

They unanimously rejected sectarian views and extremist ideas and urged scholars and preachers to play their role in uniting Muslims.

The Makkah governor, Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, who delivered a speech on behalf of King Salman of Saudi Arabia, underlined the need to remove misconceptions about Islam and Muslims through dialogue. He also urged Muslims to set aside their petty differences and to work together to achieve a great and prosperous future.

Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh, who is also head of the MWL Supreme Council, highlighted the teachings of Islam that categorically reject all forms of discrimination.

The grand mufti urged the Muslims to forge unity among their ranks and do away with rivalries, petty differences and say no to divisions and factionalism.

Meanwhile, Nigerian scholars at the conference said the country would benefit from the gathering as it would engender mutual love and respect among Muslims. They urged Muslims in Nigeria to cooperate and live peacefully with non-Muslims.

They noted that the prophet, despite provocation from unbelievers, lived peacefully with non-Muslims and tolerated them.

Prof. Isa Muhammad Maishanu, Dean Faculty of Art and Islamic Studies, Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto, blamed disunity among Muslims on misunderstanding of the true teachings of Islam. The National Chairman, Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’a Wa’iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau, said there were many Muslims including some scholars, who do not understand the religion properly.

“The scholars also need to understand the right track so that the people would not be misled. When they are properly guided, they would, in turn, guide the Muslims,” Lau said.

“Prophet Muhammad showed love and mercy to non-Muslims and we should emulate that. We see many people trying to go against or even kill non-Muslims; this is not the teaching of Islam,” he added. Uztas Abubakr Sideeq Muhammad, Chairman, Comerel Travel and Tours, urged Muslims to strive toward the betterment of the society they live.

“As people living in a society, we have to contribute to the advancement of that society, regardless of the religion we profess, because of the common good that covers and benefits all of us,” he said.