Abdullah bin Zayed: Peace forum eyes a unified front to counter extremist ideologies

The forthcoming "Forum for Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies", to be held here on 9th '&' 10th March, is poised to bring together the world's most influential Islamic scholars and academics to condemn the extremist thinking that contradicts the basic values of humanity and the tolerant teachings of Islam, Foreign Minister H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed has said. Sheikh Abdullah said that the forum will provide an evidence-based consensus that fanatic ideologies have fomented the raging fire of sectarian conflicts, have led to the rising violence, destabilisation and polarisation in the Islamic world and have distorted the image of Islam. "The Forum will be the world's first effort to develop a road map and a way forward for Muslim societies to live in peaceful and amiable co-existence in accordance with the basic principles of Islam which undoubtedly are in conformity with global concepts," he said. Sheikh Abdullah expressed the hope that the Islamic scholars and thinkers would agree at the end of the forum to a number of decisions that will, thereafter, form a basis for action in the areas of education, Sharia sciences, social practices and activities, economic empowerment and governance. "The forum is targeting a mechanism that would enable dealing with the concerns of youth and women," he added, noting that "these, together, make up the most vulnerable and influential segments of society." The ground-breaking "Forum for Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies" will take place under the auspices of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and will be attended by prominent scholars and thinkers from the Muslim world, including the Grand Imam of al-Azhar al-Sharif, Dr. Ahmed Al Tayeb, Shaykh Abdallah bin Bayyah, President of the London-based Global Centre for Renewal and Guidance (GCRG) and Chairman of the Scientific Committee of the Forum, along with 250 notable Muslims from around the world. The scholars and intellectuals are expected to discuss four major themes: 1- Humanitarian values: The right to life, human dignity, freedom, equality, justice, respect and observance of cultural differences and a bridging of the differences amongst human beings, regardless of race, colour, sex or religion. 2- Correcting Concepts on Jihad: Adherence to the law of the land, loyalty and disavowal. 3- Fatwa in a world of strife: their conditions and constraints, the degrees and ramifications of poorly issued fatwas, as well as the responsibilities and qualifications of Muftis issuing fatwa. 4- Humanistic Ethical Values: Concentrating on how Islam and Muslims can contribute to promoting world peace, as well as sharing their humanitarian values and principles as a means of peace between nations and peoples. – Emirates News Agency,