This Project is Implemented by The Royal Institute for Inter-Faith Studies AL-BAYAN

Transcription

1 This Project is Implemented by The Royal Institute for Inter-Faith Studies AL-BAYAN A Newsletter published by the Promotion of the Amman Message Project Issue #1 The contents of this newsletter are the sole responsibility of RIIFS and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union

2 INTRODUCTION THE FIRST INITIATIVE OF ITS KIND IN THE ARAB WORLD We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you might get to know one another (Surat Al-Hujurāt, Qur an 49:13). HE Prof. Kamel Abu Jaber Director of the Royal Institute for Inter-Faith Studies (RIIFS) The Royal Institute for Inter-Faith Studies (RIIFS) was established in 1994 under the patronage of HRH Prince El Hassan bin Talal, Chairman of the Board of Trustees. RIIFS represents a forum for the interdisciplinary study of issues that focus on clarifying the image of Islam and its civilizational and intellectual achievements, as well as interreligious and intercultural studies, with the aim of defusing tensions and promoting peace, regionally and globally. Because we live in a troubled world that is in need of deeper mutual understanding between diverse religions and cultures, the Royal Institute for Inter-Faith Studies focuses on promoting common human and ethical values that contribute to strengthening cooperation and interfaith relations, reducing mutual misconceptions about the other and reinforcing and deepening shared commonalities in the hope of promoting peaceful coexistence. With this aim in mind, RIIFS has adopted a two-year project that aims to promote the content of the Amman Message the first initiative of its kind in the Arab world locally, regionally and internationally. Over the two-year duration of the Project, RIIFS will develop and establish a multi-leveled discourse that tackles diverse dimensions of religious conflicts amongst Muslims on the one hand, and between Muslims and non-muslims on the other. This discourse will take place regionally, as well as in a number of European countries, through the implementation of a number of activities that ensure the fulfillment of the general and specific goals of the Project. Finally, all of us in this region, both Muslims and Christians, are very much aware of the message civilization and of Islam, under whose generous wing we live and thrive. The onset of political and cultural globalization and the recent political turmoil, have resulted in a realization of the dangers, and in subsequent confusion and loss of direction. Thus, it is incumbent upon us to remind ourselves of the noble principles of Islam hence the launch of the Amman Message. 1

3 THE AMMAN MESSAGE : BACKGROUND AND LAUNCH I would like to begin by presenting a brief description of the Amman Message and of the Promotion of the Amman Message Project. The Amman Message, which aims at correcting current misconceptions, was launched in Amman on the initiative of His Majesty King Abdullah II on 27 Ramadan 1425 Hijri/9 November This initiative, along with those of A Common Word and World Interfaith Harmony Week, represents a call to reason addressed to the world at large, in order to rectify misconceptions and remind humanity of the lofty and refined fundamental principles that the great religion of Islam is based upon. Ms. Yara Matarweh Project Manager The Amman Message reinforces respect for diversity and its preservation as one of the brightest and most beautiful qualities of Arab Muslim society. It is important to note that the Message also addresses the western other, emphasizing the vital commonalities between the heavenly faiths: that there is One God, and that the Abrahamic faiths have one common origin. The Amman Message seeks to encourage tolerance and acceptance of the other, reject violence and extremism in all of its forms, and call for the establishment of an educational structure based on the values of justice, moderation and acceptance of diversity. The Amman Message emphasizes good governance, human rights and fundamental freedoms, and countering the root causes of terrorism and violence, in addition to seeking common ground and building awareness and understanding to enable the appreciation and acceptance of living with difference. It further seeks to raise the profile of the humanitarian, civilized role of Islam, while promoting intercultural and interreligious dialogue and creating platforms for discussion between different communities and audiences. Based on its belief in the importance of promoting the content of the Amman Message to the general public, RIIFS has undertaken the implementation of the Promotion of the Amman Message Project in cooperation with the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs in Jordan. The Project is contracted by the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation (MoPIC) and funded by the European Union. The Project is being executed in cooperation with regional and European academic institutions and organizations, as well as with a number of civil society organizations, through the implementation of the action plan locally and regionally, and internationally in certain countries of the European Union. The Project consists of a number of activities that will be implemented locally, regionally and internationally in order to present the true and positive nature of Islam by highlighting the negative practices that are committed in the name of religion. The general goal of the Project: The project essentially aims to promote the content and values of the Amman Message over a two-year period, and to endorse its religious credibility and humanist appeal. The Project also aims to utilize the Message for the attainment of good governance and to curb all forms of religious violence in order to protect human rights and counteract the root causes of terrorism. The specific objectives of the Project: 1.To increase awareness at the national, regional and international levels of the Islamic values contained in the Amman Message ; 2.To change the stereotypical images of Islam and highlight its true nature; 3.To clarify the role of the Amman Message by highlighting the tolerant nature of Islam as opposed to extremist discourses; 4.To establish an effective coordination mechanism between the key stakeholders responsible for the promotion of the Message, through the Project s Steering Committee; 12 4.

4 5.To prepare and implement plans and programs to promote the Amman Message ; 6.To strengthen the administrative capacity of the key stakeholders for the promotion of the Amman Message ; 7.To assist Jordan in taking part in international initiatives in the fields of interfaith and intercultural dialogue, such as World Interfaith Harmony Week. Target groups: 1.Muslim clergy and faith leaders (Imams and women preachers); 2.School communities (teachers and pupils); 3.University communities (students and lecturers); 4.Local communities (society leaders and members); 5.Academics; 6.The media in Jordan, the Arab region and Europe. Promotion of the Amman Message : Conception to Implementation In the last quarter of 2012, the Royal Institute for Inter-Faith Studies began implementing the activities of the Promotion of the Amman Message Project through the formation of an academic Research Committee that comprises a group of experts and academics. After examining the contents of the Project, its goals and different local and regional activities, the Committee set down a timeline for the execution of the Project activities. In addition, the Committee planned and prepared each activity to ensure the quality of its academic, scientific and practical content, and reviewed all of the information that will be used in all of the discussions, debates and other events. Publication of the Promotion of the Amman Message Project brochure The Research Committee prepared a Project brochure in the Arabic and English languages, which consists of a general introduction to the Project, its overall and specific objectives, its target groups and implementing organization, in addition to the desired results of each activity planned over the two-year period of the Project. The brochure was distributed among the participants in the activities that have been implemented so far. The Project s management will ensure the distribution of the brochure among all participants and parties concerned, including diplomatic missions in Jordan, the Arab region and specific European countries. The Royal Institute for Inter-Faith Studies launches the Promotion of the Amman Message Project 13 The RIIFS held an Opening Conference on 6-7 January 2013 during which it launched the Promotion of the Amman Message Project. On the first day of the conference, the participants included the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation, the Ministry of Culture, Yarmouk University, the World Islamic Sciences and Education University,the King Abdullah Institute for the Training and Rehabilitation of Preachers and Imams, Al Dustour daily newspaper, Jordan University, the Forum for Development, Culture and Dialogue, the Arab Group for Muslim-Christian Dialogue, the Arab Thought Forum, the Anna Lindh Foundation Jordanian Network, as well as the Research Committee members. HE. Prof. Kamel Abu Jaber, the RIIFS Director, opened the conference with a speech in which he stressed the importance of promoting the content of the Amman Message, which represents a voice of reason, a strong appeal addressed to all of humanity, for rationality and wisdom, in order to put matters right and remind humanity of the civilized basic principles on which Islam is founded.

5 The opening conference also included a talk by HE Dr. Abdul Salam Abbadi, the Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, in which he emphasized that the Amman Message has unveiled inappropriate practices committed in the name of religion, including acts of terror and extremism, and has demonstrated that Islam is a comprehensive civilized religion intended for the good of mankind and that The Amman Message presents vital issues in brief, clear and concise terms. He added that, consequently, this is what prompted His Majesty King Abdullah to affirm that this voice (the Amman Message ) does not only represent that of Amman; indeed, it originates in Amman, but speaks for all those who are aware of the truth about Islam all over the world. HE Dr. Abbadi also said that the Promotion of the Amman Message Project contributes to the dissemination of the content of this Message to different sectors of both Arab and European societies alike. Dr. Amer al-hafi, Deputy Director of RIIFS and head of the Project s Steering Committee, presented the goals and activities of the Project and the Steering Committee s recommendations and work plan. On the second day of the Opening Conference, the RIIFS Director, HE Prof. Kamel Abu Jaber, welcomed the participants and guests and wished them success in launching the Project on the local and European levels. The second day was also attended by European and Jordanian organizations and universities and included presentations on the background and activities of the Promotion of the Amman Message Project. The first presentation was made by Professor Mike Hardy, Executive Director of the Centre for Social Relations at Coventry University in the UK, entitled The Amman Message and the European Union, which contained an overview of the main challenges and actions; Europe in 2013; anticipated plans and results; and the research carried out in Europe about Islam. During his presentation, Prof. Hardy discussed some delicate issues related to negative stereotypes of Muslims in general, and Muslims in Europe in particular, which he said had increased markedly in the last few years. The final paper was presented by British Council representative in Europe, Ms. Fatima Diaz, in which she stated figures and statistics that indicate that the rate of growth of the Muslim population in Europe is 10 times faster than in other societies. The Muslim population in Europe is estimated at 23 million, or 4.6% of the total population. By the year 2050, it could rise above 25% of the population in each of France, Germany and Holland. Ms. Diaz concluded that the Promotion of the Amman Message Project is important, not only because it is comprehensive, but also because it addresses a variety of groups through its activities, including different age groups, as well as teachers and imams who have a strong influence on future generations. The Opening Conference attracted the attention of Jordanian media representatives. The Jordan Times daily published an article about the launch by reporter Rula Samaain. 14

6 World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW) In 2010, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Resolution 65/5 proclaiming the first week in February to be observed annually all over the world as World Interfaith Harmony Week, beginning in February This came as a result of a proposal presented by HM King Abdullah II earlier that year in a speech given at the Plenary Session of the 65th UN General Assembly in New York. This resolution was adopted in order to reinforce interfaith mutual understanding and to reaffirm the values of peace, understanding and harmony through voluntary activities organized by followers of different faiths, each according to its own religious tradition. On this occasion, the Royal Institute for Inter-Faith Studies, in cooperation with the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, and as part of the Promotion of the Amman Message Project activities, organized seven events during February 2013 in which the speakers focused on the following topics: 1.Muslim-Christian coexistence in Jordan. 2.Harmony between the followers of different religions through the Amman Message. 3.The Muslim and Christian outlooks towards interfaith harmony. The encounters took place in different areas of the Kingdom, including: 1.Youth Directorate, Madaba Governorate, in cooperation with the Awqaf Directorate of Madaba (36 participants). 2.Assembly Hall of the Holy Shrines (Maqamat) and Tombs of the Companions in South Mazar, 3.Karak Governorate, in cooperation with the Karak Awqaf Directorate (26 participants). 4.The Latin Patriarchate High School, Madaba Governorate (78 participants). 5.Yarmouk University, Irbid Governorate (75 participants). 6.Golden Jubilee Comprehensive School, Marka, Amman (46 participants). 7.National Orthodox School (Orthodox Educational Society), Amman (160 participants). The Royal Institute for Inter-Faith Studies (RIIFS) also held a meeting entitled, Harmony and School Education in Jordan, which focused on the following questions: 1.Do school textbooks emphasize the ethical and religious values common to Islam and Christianity? 2.Do the textbooks mention the role of Arab Christians and their contributions to Arab Muslim civilization? 3.Do the textbooks highlight the role of Arab Christians in contemporary Arab development efforts? 4.How can we develop these textbooks in such a way as to advance Muslim-Christian coexistence? 15

7 The events were marked by the fact that they were interactive, and the topics discussed won the appreciation of the participants and attendees. In addition, the participants attracted guests from all walks of life and played an essential role in informing them about the Promotion of the Amman Message Project through a film clip entitled, The Promotion of the Amman Message and Harmony Week, which was especially prepared by RIIFS for this occasion. The Project brochure and copies of the Amman Message were distributed at the end of each activity. It should be noted that the different media gave considerable attention to this occasion, publishing a number of articles and press releases and airing a number of television and radio interviews with individuals responsible for the execution of its activities. Several video clips and articles about the events were also disseminated on various web sites. The Jordanian dailies Al Ghad, Al Dustour and Al Rai, as well as Yarmouk University s web site, Al Madina News and the Jordanian Press Agency, Petra, were among those that published news about the activities of World Interfaith Harmony Week. On a similar note, a special symposium (in Arabic) was aired on Jordan Television entitled, Religious Harmony: The Case of Jordan, on Islamic Horizons, a program presented by Dr. Wa el Arabiyyat. His guests were HE Dr. Abdul Salam Abbadi, Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, HE Prof. Kamel Abu Jaber, the RIIFS Director, HE Dr. Abdul Nasser Abu al-basal, President of the World Islamic Sciences and Education University and Bishop Maroun Lahham, Latin Patriarchal Vicar of Jordan. Preparatory meeting for the visit of HRH the Prince of Wales The Royal Institute for Inter-Faith Studies organized a consultative workshop in cooperation with the British Council entitled, The Universality of the Amman Message: Interfaith Dialogue. In order to achieve the best outcome, the workshop aimed at producing three papers that reflect the views of specific target groups on the subject of adopting and promoting the Amman Message in the UK. This session was held on the campus of the University of Jordan on 4 March In his presentation, the RIIFS Director, HE Prof. Kamel Abu Jaber, specified the basic features and desired results of the workshop and spoke about diversity and tolerance and the importance of Prince Charles s visit, especially that he has written numerous articles on Islam and the positive effects of diversity in societies around the world. The workshop participants presented papers on different subjects, one of which was by Dr. Amer al-hafi on Dialogue with the West in the Light of the Content of the Amman Message, the Message being, in Dr. Al-Hafi s words, a bridge of contact and continuity between East and West. 16

8 Dr. Abdul Rahman Abdah, Deputy Secretary General of the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, spoke of the importance of highlighting the humanitarian nature of the Muslim religion and its focus on respect among human beings, respect for women, and on the idea that men are complements to women rather than competitors. Dr. Abdah urged the audience to be fair and equitable when talking about Islam. He added that Islam values education and scholars; respects other religions and prophets; has a special regard for dialogue; and that Muslims are not aggressive towards others. Dr. Abdah also said that our role should not be limited to that of observers, but that we should play an active role in world civilization. He also stressed the vital role of the new digital media and the necessity of taking advantage of it in the Promotion of the Amman Message Project. Professor Kamel Abu Jaber divided the 29 participants into three discussion groups: the Youth, the Academics and the Religious Leaders. The groups produced three messages, which were later presented at the meeting that was held with HRH Prince Charles. The messages contained the following: The Academics: This group stressed several issues, the most important of which was that the media plays a dangerous role in promoting negative concepts about the fundamental nature of Islam. Therefore, media organizations should cooperate in presenting a true image that reflects the principles of Islam and clarifies its values. They also emphasized the fact that the media overstates the role of some extremist factions which do not represent Islam, and that the majority of Muslims reject the actions of these extremists all over the world. Religious Leaders: In its message, this group emphasized the complementary nature of the relationship between men and women in Muslim society and confirmed that in Islam, the man and the woman cooperate for the success of the most important institution on the face of the earth the family so that it becomes the greatest cornerstone of human society. The group proposed that a Amman Message training manual be prepared as a reference for the Muslim community in Britain. This manual would be included in the community s school curricula in order to prepare a future generation that is moderate, refutes violence and extremism and calls for fruitful understanding and coexistence. The Youth: On the other hand, the youth stated that they are bound with all young people around the world by the ties of brotherhood, and that the teachings of all the divine religions encourage goodwill towards others and the acceptance of and coexistence with the other, all of which are reflected in Jordanian society. They also expressed their conviction that only a small section of society is extreme and does not represent Muslim society. They added that these ideas should be clarified in Europe and the UK through different methods, such as various mass media tools, especially the social media Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and others in order to consolidate and strengthen them. In addition, they said that there should be joint youth activities in Arab/Muslim, Christian and European societies to disseminate positive impressions which are represented by the majority of society, namely, acceptance of the other and openness and respect towards other cultures. The most prominent Islamic principles, which call for tolerance, love, rationality and freedom should be examined in terms which articulate the true nature of the Muslim religion to European society. 17

9 The Visit of Prince Charles promotes the Amman Message locally and internationally On Tuesday 12 March 2013, His Royal Highness Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, in the presence of Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad, Chief Advisor of King Abdullah II for Religious and Cultural Affairs and Personal Envoy of King Abdullah II, met with a number of Muslim and Christian religious scholars and academics from the University of Jordan. HE Professor Kamel Abu Jaber, the RIIFS Director, presented a word of welcome during which he spoke of the importance of Prince Charles s visit to Jordan, especially as it coincides with World Interfaith Harmony Week. Professor Abu Jaber said that this important visit by the Prince of Wales would bolster the content of the Amman Message on the international level, as well as promote it in the media nationally and globally. Professor Abu Jaber concluded by thanking Prince Charles for his positive stance and continuous efforts towards reducing the gap between Muslims and Christians. Also attending the meeting were the Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs,the Ambassador of the European Union to Jordan, the Country Director at British Council Jordan, representatives of ministries and civil society organizations, as well as members of the press. During the meeting, there was a presentation of the content of the Amman Message, which was launched by HM King Abdullah II in 2004 with the aim of clarifying to the modern world the true nature of Islam and the nature of true Islam. HRH Prince Charles paid tribute to the role of the Amman Message and its importance in affirming the principle of religious coexistence. In conclusion, HRH Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad presented the aims of the Amman Message, which focus on showing the true image of Islam, which is based on moderation, justice, tolerance and love, as well as the acceptance of the other, and the rejection of all forms of extremism. The visit received comprehensive media coverage, locally, regionally and internationally. The local media included the Jordanian Press Agency (Petra) in Arabic and English, as well as the Jordanian daily newspapers, Al Ghad, Al Dustour and Al Rai. 18

10 Members of the media: A vital partner in the promotion of the Amman Message The state of the media has changed fundamentally over the last few years, yet we are still dealing with these innovations with the same dated tools and outlooks. Therefore, it would be wise to develop our tools and attitudes to match this new reality. As the saying goes, better late than never. It is not too late to employ the vast media resources available, and especially the new media, to promote the content of the Amman Message, whose ultimate goal is to reinforce interfaith dialogue, stability and peace the world over. Based on this important goal, the Promotion of the Amman Message Project organized a training workshop for the members of the media, aimed at utilizing their capabilities and providing them with an incentive to promote the content of the Amman Message through their various media institutions and networks. The RIIFS organized the first media workshop under the title, Utilizing Media Tools in the Promotion of the Content of the Amman Message, on March 2013, with the participation of 23 selected media experts and journalists from Jordan and elsewhere. The workshop focused on defining the Promotion of the Amman Message Project; introducing the content of the Amman Message and the efforts of the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs in promoting it in the media; the true image of Islam and the role of Islam in the Arab and western media through the Amman Message ; human rights in Islamic legislation and its treatment of non-muslims and youth; and the cultural challenges of globalization and the social media. A selected group of scholars supervised the proceedings of the workshop, including HE Dr. Abdul Salam Abbadi, Dr. Abdul Rahman Abdah, Dr. Nabeel al-shareef, Dr. Hisham Hammami, Dr. Hussein Rawashdeh and Dr. Amer al-hafi, Deputy Director of RIIFS. The participants were divided into three working groups, each of which presented recommendations and suggestions that would contribute to promoting the content of the Amman Message. Following are the main recommendations of the working groups: Translating the content of the Amman Message utilizing up-to-date media technology. 2.Identifying important international initiatives which contribute to promoting world peace and mutual understanding between civilizations. 3.Promoting the Amman Message in important media gatherings, such as the Arab Journalists Union meetings. 4.Endeavoring to define and promote the Amman Message through the Arab, Islamic and international media. 5.Producing television and radio drama clips and songs in order to promote the Amman Message internationally. 6.Including the content of the Amman Message in school curricula. 7.Producing cartoon clips on the Amman Message aimed at reaching teenagers and children. 8.Producing plays that include the content of the Amman Message. At the end of the workshop, the participants were presented with certificates of participation, as well as digital copies of the papers presented at the workshop and material on the achievements of the Project to date. In its closing remarks, the Royal Institute for InterFaith Studies (RIIFS) announced its intention to present an award, at the end of the Project, to the member of the media who contributes most to the promotion of the Amman Message through his/her work. 19

11 The radio programs that followed the workshop included an interview, held by Ms. Randa Gharaybeh on Jordan Radio with Dr. Amer al-hafi, which focused on the Amman Message Project as the first of its kind, and which has, for the first time, involved the media in the promotion of the Amman Message. In addition, a program was aired on Al-Qur an al-kareem Radio, presented by Dr. Naseem Abu Ikhdayr, which included a detailed presentation of the Amman Message, the Project and the role of the media in promoting the content of the Amman Message. A large number of news items also appeared in the Jordanian dailies Al Dustour, Al Rai, Petra News Agency and a number of news websites, such as Al Madina News, Abouna and the personal website of Dr. Nabeel al-shareef. We value your participation Because your opinions and participation are important to us, and because you are one of the target groups of the Promotion of the Amman Message Project, we at the Royal Institute for Inter-Faith Studies and the Promotion of the Amman Message Project management have established the following special Project sites on which you can keep in touch with us and follow our news and activities: Amran bin Hattan Street, Jubeiha, Amman PO Box Amman Jordan Tel Fax riifs@riifs.org Website :