That was the topic of wide ranging discussions in the 19th International Conference of the Muslim Communities (Istanbul, May 27-28), attended by over 300 representatives from 58 countries.
The conference had the support of Saadat Party, and was inaugurated by the octogenarian intrepid leader Necmettin Erbakan, who has carved a special place in the hearts of Turkish masses and who gave a new impetus to international cooperation among Muslim nations by founding D-8 for economic cooperation. He stood boldly against the machinations of the West led by the US, and gave a call for unity against injustice, intimidation and repression.
The international meet was dominated by the words and thoughts of Erbakan. On the basis of his deep knowledge and analytical studies, he reeled out facts and figures about the unjust nature of Western capitalism and exploitation of weaker nations. He stressed upon the Muslims to work united for evolving a new world order based on truth, justice, cooperation and human rights. He exhorted that the Muslims must realise their potential, be conscious of their duty and do the needful towards building a new world, which would uphold truth, promote peace, protect human rights and ensure overall progress for the entire humanity.
The conference clearly spelt its plan for a new world order in which the Muslim countries have to play a solid role based on dialogue and cooperation and avoid violence and confrontation. The participants discussed in great detail the lack of academic excellence and socio-economic progress in the Muslim world and criticised the domination of Western thought and power. Subjects like Islamophobia, injustice, exploitation and unfair economic policies, unequal and inequitable sharing of world income, back-breaking burden of debt and interest, unhealthy social and cultural practices, ethical erosion and moral depravation, flight of capital from poor and Muslim nations, and imposition of unpopular regimes were also discussed threadbare.
The representative nature of the conference and the influence of the organisations that participated therein give hope that the conference would open new vistas of thought and action for the Muslim world.
Having participated in the deliberations and interacted with a cross-section of leaders of the Muslim world, we cannot escape the impression that there was too much stress on the West, especially the US, the Jewish conspiracies, etc. and less attention was given to the internal weaknesses of the Muslim world. The desirability of fostering contacts with the African countries and the emerging nations of largely populated China and India, which are playing a very vital role in shaping the future world, also should have been discussed.
The need of the hour is to be realistic – more action and less rhetoric. Internal weaknesses should be urgently addressed and our basic ideological and practical strengths be strengthened.