Jordan Times
Monday, February 28, 2005
Islamic conference to promote true face of Islam
The International Committee for the International
Islamic Conference has set July as the date for a wide-ranging conference under
the title “Islamic Cultural Enterprise.”
The committee, which comprises leading Arab and international Muslim clerics,
held a two-day meeting last week to determine the criteria of the forthcoming
conference, which is a continuation of the Amman Message.
Participants will discuss the challenges facing the Muslim nation, including
terrorism and extremism.
They will also probe ways to promote Islamic unity and outline Islam's stand on
international relations, women and relations with non-Muslims.
The Amman Message was published in November last year and is Jordan's message to
the world on the true meaning of Islam and its relationship with other cultures.
It highlights moderation and tolerance vis-a-vis extremism and isolationism.
At the time the Amman message was published, the Kingdom called for an Islamic
conference to be held this year to build on the main themes of the message.
During the two-day meeting, the panel set the guidelines for selecting
participants and panelists.
The preparatory meeting also established a media committee to promote the event,
which will be held under the patronage of His Majesty King Abdullah.
Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Ahmad Hilayel was quoted by The Jordan
News Agency, Petra, as saying that the issues to be discussed represent the
pillars of Islamic thought, which rejects violence and racial discrimination.