The international Islamic dialogue conference will positively contribute to enhancing the concepts of peace and co-existence, Dr. Abdullah Bin Abdulmohsen Al-Turki, Secretary General of the Muslim World League, has said. The three-day conference begins in Makkah on Wednesday under the patronage of King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. In an exclusive interview to Okaz, Dr. Al-Turki said the conference would try to chalk out a unified Muslim strategy to conduct dialogue with people from other faiths. Here are excerpts from Dr. Al-Turki's interview: Q: Is it possible that the conference will culminate in an agreement on global Islamic charter on dialogue binding on various Islamic centers and institutes? A: This is one of the objectives of the conference. The Muslim World League seeks to adopt a unified mechanism for initiating dialogue with other faiths. Therefore, the League will use the conference as a mechanism to draft a collectively endorsed instrument which will serve as a charter for Islamic dialogue. Q: How do you perceive the role of Muslim minorities and Islamic cultural centers in cultural dialogues? A: We are keen that scholars, muftis and officials of Islamic centers in countries with Muslim minorities attend the conference. The meeting was put off by four days in order to ensure their participation. The League has invited these figures to draft an Islamic code for dialogue to serve as a reference for dialogue institutions and committees operating in Muslim countries or in countries with Muslim minorities. The League believes that Muslim minorities are a vital component of the Ummah and that they must be cared for and assisted in satisfying their needs and demands and in solving their problems, sustaining their existence and asserting their Muslim identity. These Muslims will be educated on representing Islam in their respective communities and on introducing others their values and principles through dialogue. The League gives equal attention to Islamic centers, societies and institutions by providing needed assistance, plans and programs conducive to achievement of the Islamic objectives for which they were established. Q: How can dialogue be modernized? A: A dialogue which accommodates contemporary issues is not a fad but was ordered by the Qur'an and the Sunnah. Diversification should be recognized and cooperation among litigants should exist. In our times, dialogue should be based on the Holy Qur'an and on the Sunnah as well as on past experiences to draw fair guidelines to achieve the desired Islamic goals. Q: How can the dialogue reflect tolerance? A: A dialogue which delves into various issues should seek to achieve integration among various cultures. By virtue of the existence of multiple religious, doctrines, cultures, ethnicities and nationalities, dialogue is necessary to achieve the interests of all people. An in-depth dialogue should also seek to create common grounds for dialogue among intellectuals, philosophers, men of wisdom, and those operating in the fields of economics, politics and sociology. Q: What is the vision a dialogue can advance to protect peace and security in the world? A: Insecurity and forcing people into unfair wars are among the most dangerous threats to humanity. The call made by the Holy Qur'an to institute world peace and security are manifest in many verses. Breach of security is, in the eyes of Islam, blatant injustice and stark encroachment upon human rights and upon human beings whom Allah Almighty has dignified. Q: How can dialogue address the negative aspects of globalization? A: Dialogue can help other faiths in earning the divine gratification which is the only salvation from evils and illnesses and to help them navigate through the mighty stream of globalization which has swept across all nations. __
