The International Ulema Conference for Peace and Security in Afghanistan kicked off on 10 July 2018 in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and will continue through July 11th in Makkah Al-Mukarramah.
Speaking at the opening session, the Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Dr Yousef Al-Othaimeen, expressed grateful appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, may Allah grant him long life, and to His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, for the tremendous effort put in to so admirably organize this very important event.
He called on Afghanistan’s government, and all Afghani community, to engage in the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ call for the Afghans to reconcile and bond together for a safe and stable future for the country.
In addition, Dr Al-Othaimeen pointed out that the conference’s objective is to ensure peace and stability prevail in Afghanistan, explaining that it is a condemnation of terrorism and violent extremism in all forms and manifestations. He also said he was confident the conference will help facilitate national reconciliation and put an end to all terrorist and extremist acts, which he blamed as contrary to the teachings of Islam.
He went on to describe the Conference as a platform bringing together Muslim scholars to discuss the situation in Afghanistan.
Speakers also included Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, Dr Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh. He pointed out to the keen interest and commitment by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to see Afghanistan a peaceful, secure and stable country. To this end, he stressed, Muslim scholars have the responsibility to correct misconceptions, help mend fences and sensitise the entire Afghan community to the importance of obeying and assisting their rulers and governors and eschewing strife.
For his part, Afghanistan’s Ulema Council Chief Sheikhul Hadith Mawlawi Qiamuddin Kashaf conveyed thanks to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for Saudi Arabia’s langstanding support to the Afghani people, expressing hope the conference will help bring the country back to peace, security and stability. The people of Afghanistan set great store by this event, he added.
Theh opening session also featured a statement by religious lecturer and al-Haram al-Sharif Imam Dr Saleh bin Abdullah Al-Humaid. Speaking on behalf of the Ulema in attendance, he said the convening of this event in Saudi Arabia is part of the interest the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Crown Prince accord to promoting peace and security across the Muslim Ummah. Muslim scholars have the duty to foster tolerance and cohabitation among Muslims, he stressed, expressing hope that discussions during the Conference will be conducive to peace and security in Afghanistan.
The two-day conference features two plenary sessions, one on “Reconciliation in Islam: Role of Ulema in bringing peace and stability in Afghanistan” and the other themed “Islam’s position on terrorisl and violent extremism”. Deliberations will be concluded in Makkah-based Guest Palace, on July 11th, with the adoption of Makkah Declaration on Consolidating Peace and Security in Afghanistan”.
