Jakarta – The second International Conference of Islamic Scholars (ICIS) ended with a call for Muslims living in non-Muslims areas to promote their religion as one of moderation and tolerance.
The scholars declared Wednesday night that Muslim minorities in pluralistic societies should play a greater role in addressing matters that challenge efforts to promote dialog between minorities and non-Muslim majorities.
The ICIS, concerned about increased narrow-mindedness and extremism in Muslim communities, took the stance to promote peace, justice, moderation and prosperity for people of all faiths. They said it should be done through a commitment to universal aspirations for a better world where both the physical and spiritual happiness of all humankind were fully realized.
During the two-day conference, the participants were divided into three working groups to discuss religiosity, injustice and poverty, and also decide on strategies for change in the economic, social and educational sectors.
The working groups then gathered together in a plenary session, led by the foreign affairs chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama, Rozy Munir, to issue recommendations. The session made 37 recommendations for an action plan, including ICIS's response to globalization, conflict resolution, economic development, poverty eradication, education and social progress as well as future directions.
"We together, with other moderate powers, such as the USA, the Middle East, Europe, Australia and many others, will coordinate (our efforts) to introduce Islam to the world as a moderate and tolerant religion," said Nahdlatul Ulama chairman Hasyim Muzadi, the country's largest Muslim organization which arranged the event. He acknowledged the ICIS had a difficult task in coordinating efforts for conflict resolution. He also said that since the ICIS enjoyed good relations with the Organization of the Islamic Conference, both organizations would talk with the United Nations about how to expand the moderate movement.
As a moderate group, Hasyim said, Islam would not take sides in issues of global polarization, but would stand for justice and equality. "We have to develop independent financial systems so we won't depend on other groups. We also have to create a system between countries in ICIS for an economic cooperation." In its recommendation, the conference advised governments of Muslim countries to explore practical ways and modalities for promoting greater cooperation in trade, investment, economy, and other development sectors, including the enhancement of the Islamic financial and banking system.
The ICIS also advised governments of Muslim-populated countries to promote the Islamic financial and banking systems, to facilitate the participation of Muslims in the systems and to ensure their stability and sustainability.
Hasyim also mentioned that ICIS would work on education, science, and health.
For the action plan, the conference requested its secretary-general commission the development of applicable frameworks that promote the value of Islamic teachings on relevant subjects of human interest, such democracy, human rights, education and health as well as the prevention of corruption and drug abuse.
"We will meet in small groups once in every three or four months to accomplish the programs," said Hasyim.
Selected recommendations:
1. To invite decision-makers, both from public and private sectors, to develop policies that ensure the fulfillment of Muslim women's rights, and to create programs to empower women's participation in the economic, social and political process.
2. To make an effort to narrow the gap between schools of thoughts in Islam in order to maintain and foster the unity of the blessed Muslims so they will not be easily divided into conflict.
3. To stress the inalienable rights of every country to promote research, production and the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.
4. To encourage civil society organizations to participate in economic and social affairs to get the greatest benefits for all Muslim communities.
5. To encourage the establishment of networking among small and medium-scale enterprises from Muslim-populated countries.