Role of Muslim Communities and Islamic Institutions
in Highlighting the Image of Islam
Foreword
Muslim communities and minorities settling round the globe are part and parcel of the Muslim world, given the fact that the ‘Muslim Ummah’ is an inclusive notion, referring to all Muslims wherever they are, and the Muslim world is the overall framework integrating the entire Muslim nation.
Scattered all over the world, Muslim communities and minorities do represent a high proportion of Muslims in the world, standing nearly to half the total of Muslim population. Therefore, the role to be discharged by Muslim minorities and communities is cardinal at many a level, especially in terms of redressing the image of Islam, expounding its principles and teachings, putting right the tendentious allegations, dispelling misconceptions and correcting erroneous information and fallacies circulated against Islamic faith, Islamic law and Islamic civilization, culture and history.
In this study, I focussed on the potential capabilities of Muslim minorities and communities to play fully their role in a specific area, being the promotion of Islam, by means of highlighting its bright, radiant image and publicizing the virtues of the Islamic law in terms of its fairness, its justice and its humane character.
Owing to the methodology adopted in this study, I was bound to address Islamic institutions on the same footing as the communities themselves, to shed light on their contribution towards the promotion of the image of Islam and redressing the stereotyped image of Islam and Muslims circulated by some Western quarters, disrespectful of any sense of objectivity and fairness.
I also endeavoured to specify the relationship existing between Muslim communities and the institutions of joint Islamic action, focussing, all the while, on the role of cultural relations in strengthening the position and status of Muslim communities in their host countries.
Relying on a methodical approach, I tentatively tried to define the concepts of Muslim communities and minorities and that of Muslim institutions. I also looked into the possible ways of taking advantage of the cultural assets of Muslim communities and minorities, making a glimpse into the present conditions of these communities, especially in the aftermath of September 11 events.
I pray Allah to grant us success and guide our steps unto the right path for the general well-being of our Ummah and humanity at large.
Dr Abdulaziz Othman Altwaijri
Director General of the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO)
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