Jordan Times
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Scholars discuss
political Islam and democracy
By Mahmoud Habboush
AMMAN — A senior official on Saturday called on
the Muslim world to free Islamic discourse from elements of radicalism and
extremism.
“We have to seek a way to free Islamic discourse of close-mindedness and takfir
[calling others apostates],” Minister of Political Development and Parliamentary
Affairs Sabri Rbeihat said at the opening of an international conference
entitled: “Towards a Civic Democratic Islamic Discourse.”
“Radical discourse only stigmatises Islam with ideas and conduct that contradict
its vision,” said Rbeihat, who deputised for Prime Minister Marouf Bakhit at the
inauguration.
“Islam is a religion of tolerance that understands the needs and nature of human
beings... Real Islam... reflects a moderate nation not an extremist one, a
nation that brings happiness to people instead of causing misery,” he added.
The three-day conference, organised by Al Quds Centre for Political Studies and
Konrad Adenauer Foundation, brings together 60 Muslim leaders, thinkers and
scholars from 21 Islamic and Arab countries to discuss political Islam and
democracy.
Al Quds Centre Director Oraib Rantawi urged Islamist parties to be given a space
in the political arena where they can contribute to political and social
reforms.
“These parties should be moved from a position of threat to a position of
participation, otherwise a clash between them and the ruling clique will be
inevitable,” Rantawi said in his address at the opening session.
He called on Arab and Islamic regimes to distinguish between trends in political
Islam and groups advocating violence and takfir.
Rantawi said the US and the European Union should begin dialogue with
non-violent Islamic groups that are open to political partnership and discourse.
“These groups should be encouraged to adopt a moderate political discourse, with
their Islamist reference respected,” he said.
Participants also discussed the compatibility between Islam and democracy and
the relationship between religion and state.
The speakers included former vice speaker of the Iranian parliament Mohammad
Reza Khatami.
Regional Resident Representative of Konrad Adenauer Foundation Hardy Ostry said
his organisation follows “the objective to support... understanding between
Islam and the Christian world.”
“It depends on this relationship if we succeed in living together in peace and
in a constructive manner as well as to guarantee stability and development in
each country,” said Ostry.
During today and tomorrow, the conference will focus on issues ranging from
individual rights and freedom in Islam, to minorities in the Islamic world,
jihad, terrorism and the transfer of power.