Makkah Charter Fostering diversity, coexistence

As many as 1,200 prominent Islamic figures from 139 countries, representing 27 Islamic components of various sects and schools of thought, approved the “Makkah Charter” as a historic document to establish the values of coexistence among followers of religions, cultures, races and sects in Islamic countries as well as to achieve peace and harmony among various segments of society.

The charter follows the example of the “Madinah Charter,” drafted by the Prophet (peace be upon him) 14 centuries ago to preserve the diversity of the Islamic nation and its coexistence.

The four-day international conference, with the theme of “Values of moderation in the texts of the Qur’an and Sunnah” was organized by the Muslim World League (MWL).

On behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, Emir of Makkah Prince Khaled Al-Faisal inaugurated the event.

The delegates underscored the spiritual significance of the conference as its venue is at Islam’s holiest site along with taking advantage of the great merit of the Kingdom’s political leadership, which is carrying out noble services to Islam, Muslims and the humanity as a whole. The conference emphasized that only the gathering of well-established scholars, similar to the Makkah conference in the vicinity of Holy Kaaba, can pronounce rulings on the issues of the Islamic Ummah, and speak on its behalf in its religious matters. It also underscored the significance of joint religious and humanitarian work aimed at benefitting all with the participation of all without exclusion, racism or discrimination against followers of any religion, race.

The participants in their document emphasized that the mankind with all its diverse components, belongs to a single origin and are equal in their humanity, rejecting racist expressions and slogans, and condemning the abhorrent acts of superiority.

The document stressed that religious and cultural diversity in human societies does not justify conflict and clashes, but rather calls for a positive civilizational partnership and active communication that makes diversity a bridge for dialogue, understanding and cooperation for the benefit of all. It stimulates competition in serving and making happier of human beings as well as in building a nation of comprehensive citizenship, based on values, justice and legitimate freedoms, mutual respect, love of good for all.

The document called for the enactment of legislation to deter propagators of hate, instigators of violence, terrorism and civilizational clash, asserting that this is inevitable to drain the causes of religious and ethnic conflict. It also condemned the attack on houses of worship, calling it a criminal act that requires firm legislative and political guarantees.

The delegates also called for the fight against terrorism, injustice and oppression, and the rejection of exploitation of the capabilities of peoples and the violation of human rights, stressing that this is the duty of all without any distinction.

The conference pointed out that Muslims have enriched human civilization with a unique and rich experience, stressing that today they are able to provide it with many of the positive contributions that humankind needs in the moral, social and environmental crises it suffers from.

The “Makkah Charter” considered the thesis of the civilizational conflict, the call for confrontation and the intimidation of the other are a manifestation of isolation, the elitism generated by racism and negative cultural domination, self-inclusiveness acts to incite hatred, foster animosity between nations and peoples, and prevent the realization of the demand for coexistence especially in countries of religious and ethnic diversity.

The document warned that the phenomenon of Islamophobia stems from the lack of knowledge of the reality of Islam and its cultural creativity and lofty goals. It emphasized the consolidation of noble moral values, the promotion of lofty social practices, cooperation in addressing ethical, environmental and family challenges according to common human concepts, and the protection of human values and the destruction of social systems.

The document recommended not to interfere in the affairs of states for whatever reasons, emphasizing that it is an unacceptable breach, especially the methods of political hegemony with its economic and other ambitions, and the marketing of sectarian ideas. It emphasized that successful development experiences in the world have promised a model to deter all forms of corruption, to implement the principle of accountability and to change the patterns of consumption that hinder development programs, and drain and waste wealth.

The participants emphasized the fortification of Muslim societies with adoption of the concepts of moderation. The document recognizes the principles of women’s legitimate empowerment, rejection of their marginalization, the degradation of their dignity, the minimization of their role, or the obstruction of their opportunities in religious, scientific, political, social or other realms. The document recommended the creation of a global forum on youth affairs as an Islamic initiative with the objective of engaging the youth in constructive dialogue with all within and outside the Islamic world.