Muslim minorities urged to integrate into societies
abu dhabi — Muslim minorities around the world have been urged to respect different cultures, embrace positive integration and have a sense of national belonging to the country they have migrated. These will help them to be accepted by majority communities in non-Muslim countries, members of the Abu Dhabi-based World Muslim Communities Council have said.
“Muslims are loving and peaceful people because that’s what Islam teaches. Muslim communities in non-Muslim countries should get their fundamental rights and freedoms as religious groups and should be protected from all forms of religious and racial discrimination and hatred,” said Dr Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, chairman of the council’s supreme committee. He was speaking during a Press conference to launch the council’s executive work plan on Monday.
He said the council is keen on coordinating the efforts of Muslim minority institutions around the world. The council will help enhance the role of such institutions by encouraging Muslim minorities
to contribute to the regeneration of their states and correct the stereotypes against Islam. “We want to help bridge the intellectual and cultural gap between the components of human society through lectures and dialogue,” he said.
The council will help develop a platform for individuals to share experiences and work together.
Prof. Koutoub Moustapha Sano, a minister in the President’s Office of Guinea, who is also a member of the council’s higher committee, said: “Muslims should have a sense of national belonging to the nations they have migrated and should accept that it’s their home.
“It’s very important for people to accept one another and to have one’s ‘difference’ recognised and supported in the public and private spheres for peaceful coexistence.”
The World Muslim Communities Council was formed earlier this year following a two-day conference held in Abu Dhabi that was attended by representatives from more than 140 countries.
The main aim of the council is to call and advocate for binding international laws and agreements to protect minorities’ rights and their fundamental freedoms as religious, ethnic and linguistic groups; prevent all forms of racial and religious hatred and discrimination; prevent abuse of other people and religions; and to condemn all kinds of crimes of ethnic or religious cleansing.
It’s very important for people to accept one another and to have one’s ‘difference’ recognised and supported in the public and private spheres for peaceful coexistence.” Prof. Koutoub Sano, minister, President’s Office of Guinea