Makkah Islamic Affairs Conference Ends With Pledge To Promote Moderation

The Ninth Conference of Ministers of Endowments and Islamic Affairs in Islamic Countries concluded on Monday in Makkah. The event, themed "The Role of Endowments and Islamic Affairs Ministries in Promoting and Consolidating the Principles and Values of Moderation," brought together representatives from 62 countries. The conference focused on promoting moderation and combating extremism.

Participants praised Saudi Arabia's leadership, particularly the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, for their efforts in serving Islam and Muslims. They commended member states for their coordination, cooperation, and experience-sharing among ministries of endowments, fatwa bodies, and Islamic councils.

The conference reaffirmed its support for the Palestinian cause, calling for the protection of Palestinian rights and an end to their suffering. It stressed the importance of unity within the Muslim community, warning against division that could lead to bloodshed, misappropriation of funds, violation of sanctities, and sectarianism.

Emphasizing ethical values, the conference rejected attempts to impose foreign social concepts or family structures that contradict natural human disposition (fitrah). It also highlighted the need to combat hate speech against Islam and Muslims by developing cultural programs to prevent incitement to violence based on religion or ethnicity.

The conference issued eight recommendations focusing on promoting a moderate approach, correcting religious discourse misinterpretations, combating extremism, radicalism, moral decay, and atheism. These recommendations emphasized the role of ministries of endowments and Islamic affairs in training imams and preachers to solidify this approach through various programs.

One recommendation highlighted regulating fatwas to align with Sharia texts while addressing contemporary issues. It urged caution regarding fatwas from unofficial sources or non-accredited scholarly bodies. Participants called for increased coordination among member states in Islamic affairs.

Enhancing Mosque Maintenance

The conference recommended continued exchange of experiences among member countries in mosque maintenance. It emphasized enhancing staff efficiency and utilizing modern technologies to maximize mosques' noble message both physically and spiritually.

Another recommendation focused on using media channels to disseminate Islam's tolerant message and civilizational values. Participants called for cooperation among member countries in endowment management to achieve sustainable development and raise awareness about its positive impact on society.

Sessions Addressing Key Issues

The conference included ten sessions attended by ministers and scholars discussing renewing religious discourse concepts. Topics covered included promoting moderate principles, addressing extremism challenges, safeguarding minbars from hate speech, common human values, tolerance, coexistence, combating hatred against Muslims, endowment funds' roles in GDP growth, technical specifications in mosque construction, appointment programs for imams and preachers.

Participants discussed promoting citizenship in Islamic countries while addressing modern communication methods' risks. They also deliberated on atheism dangers and strategies to counter it. The importance of issuing knowledgeable religious fatwas was emphasized to avoid deviation from moderation.

Acknowledging Saudi Arabia's Efforts

At the end of the conference, participants expressed gratitude towards Saudi Arabia for its care towards Muslims. They acknowledged the Kingdom's efforts in serving Islam through well-organized events led by Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Alsheikh. The executive council members were also commended for their dedication.

The final statement praised Saudi Arabia's leadership in promoting moderation within Islam while urging further contributions from member states in serving Islamic affairs. The conference concluded with a call for unity among Muslim communities worldwide.

With inputs from SPA