JI leader deliberates upon political situation facing the Muslim Ummah


LAHORE, Sept 9 : On the invitation of the Secretary General of the OIC, Naib Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan Senator Prof Khurshid Ahmad initiated discussion on the political situation facing the Muslim Ummah, in the "Preparatory Forum of Scholars and Intellectuals for the Extraordinary Session of the Islamic Summit Conference - 9-11 2005 in Makkah today morning and made the following five points, says a message received here:

1. The first major issue that we must seriously reflect upon relates to the widening gap between the rulers and the masses in the Muslim world particularly in relation to major issues of policy, governance and relations with the US. Our real strength, after Allah subhanahu wa taala's support, lies with the people. Any tension, conflict and confrontation between the Governments and the people is bound to weaken both the Governments as well as the rank and file of the Ummah. It is only our enemies and adversaries who can benefit from such a conflict. It is in the best interest of all to open, serious, sincere and sustained dialogue amongst those in authority and the Muslim people, their authentic representatives. Every one would have to realize the gravity of the situation, shed all prejudices and make a meaningful start to reach out consensus through negotiations and dialogue. Even if they cannot agree on all issues; at least we should develop a mechanism to evolve consensus or near-consensus and move towards active cooperation where they agree and tolerance in respect of matters where there is disagreement. Further negotiations and dialogue should continue in respect of these differences. Extremism is the result of absence of this process of dialogue, agreement and tolerance of differences. The Ummah cannot afford this gulf any more. Any weakness or failure is bound to cost all, the rulers, the people and the overall interests of the Islamic Ummah.

2. The second fundamental challenge that confronts the Ummah and all its constitutuent bodies relates to its identity. The OIC Charter correctly identifies that "their common beliefs constitute a strong factor for rapprochement and solidarity among Islamic people" and that the preservation of "Islamic spiritual, ethical, social and economic values" is the only path to progress for mankind. That is why the primary objective of the Islamic Conference is "to promote Islamic solidarity among the states". Today it is this very Islamic identity of the Ummah and of the Muslim States that is at stake. It is only by reaffirming and strengthening this identity that the Ummah can face the challenges of the 21 st Century. Islam is our real identity and source of strength. Iqbal has rightly said that the lesson of history is that Islam has saved the Muslims and not vice versa.
OIC must play an effective role in this direction. Any change in the structure which dilutes this identify would be suicidal. It is the Muslim States that are the backbone of this Organization. It is the Muslim countries and their collective voice that would protect vital interest of the Muslim Ummah including those of the Muslim communities in non-Muslim countries. There should not be any confusion on this account and no erosion of the ideological and moral borders that fortify the OIC.

3. The third major challenge relates to the degree of self-reliance of the Muslim Ummah. Self-reliance is a major source of strength. Self reliance does not mean seeking to become self sufficient. Nor does it entail isolation or autarky. Muslim countries are part of the global community and must play an important role on the world scene. Self- reliance means that degree of political sovereignty and economic autonomy that policy making and setting of priorities could be made without external constraints or pressures. This means freedom from dependence on outside world that could impinge upon our sovereignty, independence and integrity of decision making. Self- reliance relates to matters of security, economy, political decision making and socio-cultural existence. Muslim Ummah cannot play its role as Shuhada ala 'al-Naas if it suffers from any strategic dependence on the non Muslim World.
Friendship and cooperation with all are a must but they can be achieved with dignity only in the context of this self reliance. Asymmetry of power that characterizes the world today and as a result of which the Muslim Ummah is weak and has been almost marginalized can be redressed only through a comprehensive and revolutionary strategy for achieving real self reliance in all important aspects, that is security, economy, education, science and technology, socio-cultural integrity and good governance.

4. Next, I want to frankly emphasize upon all the participants to review the achievements as well as weaknesses of the OIC and its key organs. The formation and continuous existence of the OIC is an achievement and a blessing for which we thank Allah swt and feel proud. But we should sincerely face the question as to why we have not been able to implement most of the decisions and policies agreed upon at the OIC platform over the last 36 years? We have to identify the causes of this apathetic situation: Are they conceptual? Do they relate to lack of political will? Do we lack effective implementation machinery and resources? Or has duplicity or double-talk unfortunately crept into our affairs? Why is it that one thing is decided at an OIC platform and different positions are taken by OIC Members on other international forums. Let us face these bitter facts and resolve to find an honourable solution so that whatever we decide is also implemented. We decide only to implement and not for window-dressing.

5. Finally I want all of us to reflect upon the core issue which constituted the basis for the formulation of the OIC: that is, Al-Quds and the Palestine issue. Today different Muslim countries are trying to take different self-claimed initiatives with the result that there is confusion to say the least. Arab League rightly rejected a member country's proposal some time back about recognition and direct dealing with the Israel, an occupying power. The OIC must take a unified and agreed stand. All dealings in respect of Palestinian issue should take place keeping in sharp focus the fundamental question of illegal occupation of Palestine by Israel on the basis of brute force and the blind support of the US. It is a fundamental principle of international law that a state must have a defined territory. A country who refuses to define its borders cannot be recognized. Israel from day one has not only refused to define its borders it has pursued an expansionist policy and as such remains an imperialist entity, an occupying force and not a genuine state with defined and settled borders. Any action by individual states under whatever pretext is bound to weaken the Palestine resistance, the position of the Palestinian Authority and the position of the OIC and Arab League. There must be a clear decision that it is only under OIC and the Palestinian Authority unified initiative that every move in the direction of the resolution of the Palestinian issue must take place. It is the people of Palestine and the rank and file of the Muslim Ummah whose aspirations and feelings must be our real guiding principle along with our principled position and the injunctions of the Quran and Sunnah.