Sharjah 24 – WAM: More than 500 political, religious, intellectual, and social leaders in Muslim countries and communities worldwide gathered for the fourth anniversary of the establishment of the World Muslim Communities Council (TWMCC), on 8th and 9th May, 2022.
The conference comprised over 30 sessions and keynote speeches presented by state presidents, ministers, grand muftis, universities presidents, professors and scholars who discussed the concept of Islamic unity, which has been considered the most critical issue addressed by Muslim minds since the start of the 20th century that arose along with decolonisation movements and the emergence of political parties with Islamic ideologies.
Themed "Islamic Unity: The Concept, Opportunities and Challenges", the TWMCC’s international conference explored the history of Islamic unity and its effects on all aspects of life, as well as its role in establishing human civilisation.
Islamic unity has created a pioneering civilisation that has contributed to the advancement of humanity and shaped the social and cultural unity of the Islamic world. Major strides have been made by the Islamic world in the fields of science, arts, literature, philosophy, architecture, astrology, mathematics, medicine and music. This cultural unity has lasted for many centuries, embraced communities and cultures and promoted the values of pluralism and acceptance.
Under the framework of these historical facts and to ingrain Islamic unity in all areas of life, as well as to promote its role in establishing human civilisation, the conference discussed over 110 academic papers on how to develop and enhance the concept and promote education and scientific research, as well as addressed the challenges facing Muslim communities, including extremism, violence and sectarianism.
At its concluding session, the conference produced several recommendations, which are: I. The participants thanked the UAE and its leadership for always planning for the future and supporting Muslim communities to shape a better future and achieve stability and prosperity, in addition to promoting traditional Islamic values aimed at achieving peace, security and stability.
II. The participants stressed that Islamic unity is a cultural fact covering all areas of political, intellectual, social, cultural, and educational life and is embodied in architecture, arts and literature. However, it is not ingrained in political and administrative areas. Islamic groups that emerged in recent decades have misused the concept of Islamic unity to implement political agendas aimed at achieving personal interests.
III. The participants highlighted the special nature of all Muslim communities and the many challenges facing them in areas of development. Therefore, the conference highlighted the mutual respect for this special concept and the will to operate under domestic legal frameworks that will protect the stability and security of countries.
IV. The participants highlighted the importance of including the fundamental concept of Islamic unity in public education curriculums.
V. The participants affirmed the importance of reforming and developing religious discourse in all Muslim communities, in accordance with each community's needs and requirements. Therefore, religious discourse in mosques or educational establishments should be in line with the cultural level of each community.
VI: The participants affirmed the importance of employing traditional and new media to shape the collective awareness of Muslims in all communities and all languages, enabling them to understand all major topics that concern Muslim minds in the 21st century.
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