OIC Secretary-General Stresses the Importance of the Conference on Communication of Religious Bodies in the Islamic World
Date: 13/08/2023
H.E. Mr. Hissein Brahim Taha, the Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), participated in the first conference for engaging with religious affairs, fatwa, and clerical administrations worldwide under the title: “Communication and Integration,” held under the auspices of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawa, and Guidance in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in Makkah Al-Mukarramah on Sunday, August 13, 2023.
H.E. Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh, Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance in Saudi Arabia, inaugurated the conference, which the Secretary-General addressed, affirming his pleasure to attend a distinguished intellectual and scientific event dealing with a subject that lies at the heart of the primary mission of the OIC.
Mr. Hissein Brahim Taha said that Saudi Arabia’s hosting of this important conference confirms its position as a real actor in supporting the positive trends of our Ummah and working for its renaissance, mainly as it has succeeded in becoming a destination for tolerance and peaceful coexistence, translating this human value into a tangible approach, in addition to its leadership in promoting interreligious dialogue. The Secretary-General extended his sincere thanks to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, for the tremendous support in various fields that contribute to the success of its mission to serve Islam and Muslims.
The Secretary-General stressed that the conference comes considering the many challenges facing the Islamic Ummah, including attempts to distort the image of Islam, which requires standing in the face of these hostile currents and restoring the concept of Islamic unity. Mr. Brahim Taha added that the relationship between the components of the Islamic Ummah must be based on the fact that One Ummah worships One God and has one Shariah that unites and does not divide, bringing us closer and does not separate us.
The Secretary-General indicated that the newly established Department of Dialogue and Outreach in the OIC General Secretariat promotes dialogue, awareness, and openness to all other cultures and civilizations. He also commended the various organs operating under the OIC’s umbrella, led by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), which seeks to consolidate a culture of peace and dialogue and encourage the values of understanding and mutual respect.