Jordan Times
Friday, December 1, 2006
King reviews Amman Message
with Indian Muslim leaders
NEW DELHI (Petra) — His Majesty King Abdullah on Thursday said Jordan is keen on
developing ties with Muslim leaders in India, especially cooperation between the
two sides in promoting the true image of Islam.
During a meeting with Deputy Chairman of the Indian Upper House of Parliament,
or Rajya Sabha, Rahman Khan, the Monarch said Jordan is committed to offering
university seats to Indian Muslim youth, so as to enhance their ”understanding
of the religion.”
The King referred to achievements by the Amman-based Al al Bayt Foundation,
which has launched the largest Koran exegesis website (www.tafsir.com).
The King also reviewed the basics of the Amman Message, which Jordan launched
two years ago to clarify the position of Islam on extremism and define Muslims’
relationship with other cultures and faiths. The document highlights the aspects
of moderation, understanding and tolerance in traditional Islam.
The Amman Message, the King told the Muslim leaders, is also addressed to
Muslims, who, he said, need each other in a world that is going through several
crises.
There is a “historic consensus” over the document, King Abdullah said, noting
that the Amman Message defines who is eligible to issue fatwas (religious
edicts) and prohibits labeling as non-Muslims any follower of the Islamic
schools of jurisprudence.
For their part, the Muslim leaders praised the King’s efforts to promote true
Islam and the initiative to offer Indian Muslims university seats.
India has the second largest Muslim population in the world, numbering about 140
million.
King Abdullah and Her Majesty Queen Rania began a three-day state visit to India
on Thursday. During the visit, the King will meet with Indian President A.P.J.
Abdul Kalam, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and other senior officials.