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Al-Ahram Weekly 24 - 30 June 1999 Issue No. 435 
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Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 |
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Al-Ahram Weekly 24 - 30 June 1999 Issue No. 435
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| Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 |
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Egypt Region International Economy Opinion Culture Profile Features Interview Travel Sports Time Out Chronicles People Cartoons Letters Affirming an Islamic identity
By Mona El-NahhasTonight, delegations from 75 Islamic countries and six international Islamic organisations participating in the 11th Cairo International Islamic Conference will attend a celebration marking Prophet Mohamed's birthday at the International Conference Centre in Nasr City. In the course of the celebration, President Hosni Mubarak will confer awards on eight Islamic figures -- including six Egyptians -- in recognition of their efforts in Islamic preaching.
Proceedings of the four-day conference began Tuesday morning at the Marriott Hotel. The event was organised by the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs, an affiliate of the Ministry of Al-Awqaf (religious endowments). During 10 working sessions, the conference debated 47 research papers submitted by prominent Muslim figures from all over the world. The final session, which will be held tomorrow evening, will approve the recommendations. The conference, held under the title "Towards a civilised plan for the renaissance of the Muslim world," addressed the cultural, social and economic factors necessary to achieve progress in the Islamic world.
In the cultural domain, discussions dealt with the cultural features of Muslim society, contemporary cultural movements and the impact of globalisation on Islamic culture. Members called for maintaining a distinct cultural identity by devoting greater attention to the Arabic language and the studies of Islamic shari'a (law), reviving the Islamic legacy and bringing about a reconciliation between the different schools of jurisprudence. Promoting cooperation between cultural and scientific research institutions inside and outside the Islamic world was also advocated.
Discussions in the social sphere focused on the social values of work and money in Islam, as well as the roles of the state and civil institutions in securing social justice among Muslims by providing job opportunities, pensions, a minimum salary and health care. Women's role in society and Islam's position on marriage, divorce and inheritance were also covered.
In the economic arena, talks centred on forms of economic cooperation between Muslim states and ways of promoting it through the removal of customs barriers, encouraging the transfer of capital, goods and individuals and the establishment of joint Islamic-Arab markets and development funds.
In the opening session, Al-Awqaf Minister Hamdi Zaqzouq delivered a speech on behalf of Mubarak, declaring that comprehensive development is the only means for the Muslim world to emerge from its current crisis. Mubarak said that Muslims should deal with the realities of globalisation and emerging economic groupings. Muslims, according to Mubarak, have to concede that their current role is not on a par with their capabilities or their glorious history. He said that "we need to diagnose our illnesses, remember our past and look for future horizons." Mubarak also said that "we need to agree on the broad lines for a blueprint for the renaissance of the Muslim world." This plan should be based on awareness of the value of work and education, economic integration between Muslim countries and a clear cultural strategy for the Muslim world, he added.
Zaqzouq said the conference provides clear evidence that the Muslim world has begun to realise the need for comprehensive development in all fields. According to Zaqzouq, "what we really need is a clear plan which maintains our cultural identity and, at the same time, does not isolate us from the outside world. It's a difficult equation. Yet, this is the time for it."
Pope Shenoudah III of the Coptic Orthodox Church said the way out of the state of weakness which prevails in the Arab and Islamic worlds is to open up culturally to the West. "In other words, we need to let the world know about our cultural legacy. This can be done through a wide translation movement," he said.
Pope Shenoudah praised the idea of establishing a joint Arab market, which should have a positive impact on political and social life in the Arab world.
The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Sheikh Mohamed Sayed Tantawi, who acted as the conference's honorary chairman, backed Shenoudah's call for spreading Islamic culture worldwide. "Al-Azhar Mosque and the Ministry of Al-Awqaf have made maximum efforts toward achieving this target. Hence, the meaning of the Holy Qur'an has been translated into English, French, German and Russian," Tantawi said.
Abdel-Sabour Marzouq, vice-president of the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs, said the first step towards implementing this plan is to follow God's law which calls for unity. "In this connection, we should work hard on bridging the gap between the different Muslim sects, like the Sunni and Shi'ite. It's unacceptable to allow barriers to continue between the two groups in an era of world blocs," he said.
