Understanding Islam

Summit of World Muslim Leaders: on under the theme Islam and a Future World of Peace, on 6-8 Shawwal, 1422 (21-23 December 2001) in Jakarta, Indonesia.

IMAM Sajid attended and contributed at the Summit of World Muslim Leaders at Jakarta where nearly 250 Ulema (scholars of Islam) and Muslim academics from more than 50 countries of the world participated in a historic meeting. The meeting was organised by former President of Indonesia Abdurrahman Wahid the President of Nuhdatula Ulema of Indonesia. This Muslim leaders summit, as per his invitation letter, consisted of “serious deliberations on current and contemporary issues. In the name of Allah and for the sake of peace turn the eyes of all to our creator”. The summit was well organised and well conducted by a very able team from the host country.
There were seven groups of all participants to deliberate on three major areas:
1) Religion and Spirituality;
2) Civic Responsibility in Political Society;
3) Interfaith, Intercultural, and International Relations.

The following is the text of Jakarta Declaration:

“We, the participants and guests of the Summit of World Muslim Leaders gathered to uphold the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), under the theme Islam and a Future World of Peace, on 6 - 8 Shawwal, 1422 (21 - 23 December, 2001) in Jakarta, Indonesia.

We affirm that:

Islam is a religion of peace and justice. From its core values emanates respect for life and human dignity, which affects all ideals and actions that determine the Islamic way of life. These ideals guide the day-to-day life of the Muslim. Our understanding of religion and spirituality is well defined in the Qur'an and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). These resources are sufficient to resolve all challenges of this and every age, as well as all social circumstances. The universality of the teachings of Islam affirms the sanctity of humankind, and thus enjoins us to enduring dialogue of faith and civilization.

Deliberations proceeded along three lines of inquiry: Religion and Spirituality, Civic Responsibility in Political Society, and Interfaith, Intercultural, and International Relations.

1. Religion and Spirituality

We affirm that:

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was sent as mercy for all humankind, and his message of Islam and its teachings aim to produce peace and prosperity, promote love, compassion and forgiveness, and create a humane society. It is an important source of guidance in a changing, and shrinking world and must be recognized as such. To fulfil the ideals of the Prophet (PBUH) Muslims must recognize these teachings and his example as a guiding principle of one=s moral and spiritual development.

Islam rejects violence in any form against the innocent. In fact, it promotes justice and exhorts Muslims to be just even it be against their own selves, their parents, or kinfolk. Thus implementation of justice for and by the Muslims will be the single most important factor in the elimination of violence and terrorism.
To be just is the spiritual obligation of all faiths and nations.

Muslim leaders and scholars are responsible for, and have a moral obligation to teach and promote knowledge about the fundamental ethics of Islam, thus providing the foundation for peace and peaceful coexistence and harmony in the world.

2. Civic Responsibility in Political Society

We affirm that:

Muslim nations must devote their energies toward education of their masses, and improvement of economic opportunities for their people. They must enhance their interaction with other Muslim countries in joint projects for the welfare of their populations. All nations of the world must apply their energies at conflict resolution globally, and be consistent at home and abroad in their concern for justice, freedom and human rights. In any system of government the protection of the freedoms and rights of its citizens is paramount.

3. Interfaith, Intercultural, and International Relations

We affirm that:

Dialogue toward harmony and understanding is a Muslim religious responsibility. As a consequence, people of all faiths must acknowledge, accept, promote respect and appreciate the diversity among the different faiths and culture.
Interfaith dialogue for the purposes of removing fear of the unknown, generating good will, and establishing mutual trust, should occur at all levels including at the level of individuals, faith groups, larger communities, and globally.

Intellectual and spiritual leaders are obliged to establish enduring structures of dialogue to prevent conflict among people of differing religious commitments and opinion. These leaders of all faith must convince their constituencies to work harmoniously with other groups and influence their elected or appointed leaders to promote peace and justice as the cornerstone of their agenda, policies, and practice.

Conclusion:

We pledge to be courageous defenders of peaceful teachings and interpretation of Islam and to be exemplary peacemakers in our personal, family, and social conduct of our lives. May Allah bless this effort and forgive our shortcomings.