Thoughts BERNAMA – – RESOLUTION ON THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF RELIGIOUS LEADERS 2024

Organized by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) and the Muslim World League (MWL)

Background

At the invitation of the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) and the Muslim World League (MWL), the determination and determination of global religious leaders, prominent figures, organizations and influential institutions around the world came together to bring harmony to our world and peace promote. within national societies. They gathered in an atmosphere of mutual love and understanding at the ‘International Conference of Religious Leaders’ in Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 / 28 Shawwal 1445H.

The conference recognized that there are different civilizations, and that they complement each other. These cultures are diverse and have social interaction. It also recognized that these civilizations are the result of the cumulative efforts and experiences of nations and their achievements that have enriched humanity as a whole. It is important that we use human diversity as a source of enrichment and hold fast to the true belief that there is unity in diversity. Through this diversity we share, trust, love each other and work together.

The collective objectives of the conference were to reach a universal consensus within the context of a common civilizational vision that would increase cooperation and trust among global religious leaders, harnessing their commonalities by placing them at the forefront of common principles of human values , and would promote the values ​​of moderation. and harmony, effectively supporting efforts to promote tolerance and peace, and creating rational intellectual frameworks to be immune from the dangers of extremist ideology and behavior, regardless of its source.

1. Findings

Based on common religious principles, the conference adopted a number of important ambitious findings:

1.1 The participants reviewed recent global events and developments and emphasized the increasing need for our world to use international conflict resolution instruments through sincere will, strong determination and taking wise measures. They reiterated the importance of remembering past historical experiences so that we can benefit from their lessons and remain vigilant against the tragedies and painful disasters of history. This is a responsibility that lies with all stakeholders around the world, be it at national, international and human levels.

1.2 The participants saw this fraternal meeting as an opportunity to express their common vision. They also saw this as an opportunity to help correct the path that much of humanity is currently on – by helping to free humanity from the shackles of selfishness, materialism and arrogance and by instead competing in doing good actions, embracing solidarity and bringing happiness. with each other and rebuilding the planet based on the values ​​of love, forgiveness and tolerance.

1.3 Religion must be separated from the harmful acts committed by some of its followers (regardless of the nature, purpose and extent of these acts). It is unfair to the followers of any religion to be held responsible for the consequences of such isolated incidents.

1.4 Religion should not be abused in achieving ends that deviate from its spiritual and reformative purpose, which deviates from the special values ​​it espouses in its teachings and from the general values ​​that represent common religious values ​​associated with others are shared, or of general human common values.

1.5 People possess dignity to spread love, mercy, forgiveness and tolerance, and to expand bridges of dialogue and cooperation for the greater good of all. Moreover, they have the dignity to promote real and practical peace initiatives with sincere and wise human cooperation – all under the umbrella of one human family.

1.6 Effective dialogue, based on a civil approach, is the best way to resolve conflicts, bridge differences and overcome fears, misconceptions and prejudices, including dismantling the theory of the inevitable clash of civilizations. Such dialogue can promote trust, reinforce love and create cooperation among all. Also, effective dialogue and rapprochement with good intentions and a tangible impact on building bridges of understanding and cooperation is the best way to tackle extremist ideologies. Moreover, effective dialogue is also the best way to overcome the impact of negative perceptions resulting from historical hostilities.

1.7 Peaceful coexistence is a necessity of life. It is based on the recognition that the human family is one unit, reflecting the importance of promoting human brotherhood in a tangible way, and overcoming fear of the other, selfishness and all forms of hatred, division and violence.

1.8 The alliance and integration of civilizations is the best model to free our world from the dangers of a possible clash of civilizations and from all the negative attitudes that come with it – especially the policies of prejudice and exclusion based on hatred and racism.

1.9 Hate and racism are violent feelings that reveal a major shortcoming in the understanding of religious, national and civil concepts. Such feelings are the greatest instigators of violence, terrorism and division. They are also the main reasons why the coherence of the human moral system is compromised.

1.10 The relationship between the East and the West has a deep history. It is a rational relationship that is constantly renewing itself. It has contributed to the flourishing of human civilization through positive openness, mutual trust and effective dialogue. This reaffirms the total belief that each civilization needs the other. It also affirms the unique characteristics of each civilization and its right to exist without offending the followers of the other with hatred, distrust, the spread of conspiracy theories, negative generalizations and reckless opinions and interpretations.

2. Recommendations

2.1 We call on the awakened consciousness of the world to forge a fair, just and effective resolve to serve humanity while protecting all its rights and upholding the common values ​​that bind humanity together.

2.2 We call on members not to allow social sentiments to be inflamed in a manner that fuels hostility and division and undermines national unity through the pursuit of impulsive or hostile practices – including the deliberate spreading of misleading and false information.

2.3 We call on national and religious institutions to confront all forms of discrimination and exclusion of religious, cultural and ethnic minorities; and working to create strong and effective legislation to promote values ​​such as love, forgiveness and acceptance of others as brothers and sisters sharing the same nation and a common humanity.

2.4 We call on national and religious institutions to protect the unity of the family, as it represents the core of society. We also call on national institutions to pay attention to the quality of education, as both of these are important institutions for shaping the minds of young people in a healthy way.

2.5 We rely on various influencing platforms; especially the media, to remain aware of the moral responsibility entrusted to them, as they are the most influential institutions in shaping public opinion.

2.6 We call on religious institutions around the world to promote values ​​that emphasize forgiveness and strengthening the bonds of solidarity and brotherhood among human societies, and reject extremism that incites hatred and abuses religion to resolve crises create and stir up conflict.

2.7 We condemn all extremist, violent and terrorist practices against followers of any religion and support all sincere initiatives that seek to counter such practices.

Published in Kuala Lumpur

Tuesday May 7, 2024 / 28 Shawwal 1445H