Al-Qaradaghi at the 35th Session of the European Council for Fatwa: "Muslim Minorities Face Existential Threats... Unity is Key to Preserving Identity"
The European Council for Fatwa and Research held its 35th session in Konya, Turkey, from November 16–20, 2024, under the theme "The Jurisprudence of Preserving Faith and Religious Practice."
This session aligns with the Council's overarching goals, primarily safeguarding the faith and practices of Muslims in Europe through its resolutions and recommendations that have guided Muslim communities in the West since its inception.
Dr. Ali Al-Qaradaghi’s Address
The session featured a powerful address by Dr. Ali Al-Qaradaghi, Secretary-General of the International Union of Muslim Scholars. He highlighted the current challenges facing the Muslim Ummah globally and Muslim minorities in Europe specifically.
"A World Without Moral Order or International Justice"
Dr. Al-Qaradaghi began his speech by acknowledging the dire circumstances under which the session was convened, especially as the Muslim world witnesses a ferocious assault on the Palestinian people in Gaza and beyond.
He described the situation as a criminal, racist campaign aimed at eradicating the Palestinian population and displacing them forcibly, orchestrated by an extremist government without international or regional deterrents.
Dr. Al-Qaradaghi lamented the deteriorating state of global governance, emphasizing the absence of moral and legal frameworks to protect the oppressed amidst the collapse of foundational institutions such as UNRWA.
Challenges Facing Muslim Minorities in Europe
Shifting his focus, Dr. Al-Qaradaghi outlined the mounting challenges faced by Muslim minorities in Europe, including:
- Increasing restrictions and discriminatory policies.
- Forced assimilation of values that contradict Islamic principles.
- Erosion of freedoms, especially regarding open discussions about Israel and Palestine.
He warned of the existential risks posed to the younger generation’s Islamic identity under these pressures.
Strategic Proposals for Addressing Challenges
Dr. Al-Qaradaghi presented a two-pronged strategy to address these pressing issues:
1. Supporting Muslim Minorities:
- Strengthening Faith and Spiritual Education: Promoting religious values to fortify Muslim identity.
- Connecting with Imams and Scholars: Facilitating conferences and direct visits to foster collaboration.
- Unified Community Projects: Creating collective initiatives under the Council's guidance, in partnership with the International Union of Muslim Scholars.
- Media Engagement: Leveraging media to project a positive image of Islam and combat stereotypes.
- Economic Empowerment: Establishing businesses and Islamic financial institutions to bolster the community's economic strength.
- Youth Development: Encouraging Muslim youth to pursue fields like law and politics to enhance representation.
2. Building Bridges with Governments and Institutions:
- Engaging Political Parties and Churches: Promoting mutual understanding through dialogue.
- Islam Awareness Campaigns: Developing materials showcasing Islam's contributions to society.
- Targeted Dialogues: Engaging influential thinkers to share Islam’s humanistic message.
- Highlighting Core Values: Advocating for universal Islamic values, particularly the preservation of human nature.
A Call for Collective Action
Dr. Al-Qaradaghi stressed the need for collaboration between leading Islamic institutions, such as the European Council for Fatwa and the International Union of Muslim Scholars. He also urged Muslim-majority countries and indigenous Muslim communities in Europe, like those in Bosnia and Albania, to participate in addressing these issues.
Collective Responsibility
In closing, Dr. Al-Qaradaghi emphasized the urgency of united efforts to confront these challenges, expressing gratitude to the European Council for selecting a theme so relevant to current realities.
A Unified Message of Hope
Dr. Al-Qaradaghi’s speech underscored the vital role of Islamic scholars and institutions in supporting Muslim minorities and amplifying their voices. His call for solidarity among Muslims worldwide resonated as a clarion call to uphold justice, preserve identity, and defend human dignity across the globe.
Source: International Union of Muslim Scholars