Islam, Dialogue and Civil Society
The Islamic World and Modern Challenges
Statement by H.E. Seyyed Muhammad Khatami, President of the Islamic
Republic of Iran and Chairman of the Eighth Session of the Islamic
Summit Conference, Tehran, 9 December 1997.
I wonder whether to commence my words with a statement of woes and
misfortunes that are, or with the joys and delights that are to be. Is
it not a fundamental objective of the Islamic Conference to arrive at
common remedies for the woes of Muslim countries, and the attainment of
a stature and position befitting them? Is it not to achieve this lofty
ideal that the present should be prevailed over and misfortunes
remedied? No pain and affliction can be cured unless it is properly
diagnosed in the first place, then the best solution is sought after
with discretion and reflection, and finally, acted upon with resolve and
firmness.
Our predicament is that the Islamic Ummah, once a flag-bearer of
knowledge, thought, and civilization, has in recent centuries relapsed
into weakness and backwardness and worse still, has even failed, due to
the consequent painful state of passivity vis-à-vis the ostentatious
dominant civilization of the time, to properly utilize the fruits of
this civilization.
Our centuries-old passivity is the outcome of the decline of a once shining human civilization, whose achievements and remnants are still praiseworthy and to which the dominant world civilization is truly indebted. Today, the recreation of the replica of the old civilization is neither possible, for its time is long gone, nor desirable, even if it were possible. Considering civilization as the product of man's responses to his questions about existence, the world, and himself and also as representing the sum total of his efforts in the way of meeting his needs, then what is constant in man is his quest for knowing as well as his need and longing.
However, the form and content of the questions and needs change
according to time and place. Civilizations continue to live as long as
they possess the capacity to respond to the ever-renewing questions and
the ever-changing needs of man, otherwise they are doomed to demise. As
such, civilization, as a human affair, is subject to birth, development,
and demise.
The questions and needs of man in our time are in many ways different
from those of our predecessors. Our passivity in recent centuries in the
face of Western civilization-which is itself a natural response to the
quest of Western man-is due to the fact that for various reasons we have
ceased to ask. The absence of question leads to the absence of thought,
which in turn leads to inevitable passivity and subjugation vis-à-vis
others.
What is important, though, is to discern that such passivity, indolence, and backwardness is not our preordained destiny. The people who once created one of the most glorious civilizations in history still enjoy the potential to create another, provided, of course, that they lend themselves to reason and reflection, and this cannot be accomplished without the realization of the following:
1-Return, with reflection, to the historical self which on the one hand
is rooted in eternal Divine inspiration and on the other, carries a
unique historical and cultural potentiality nurtured by the past.
2-Proper and deep understanding of the present time. In this respect,
it is imperative to discern that between Islamic civilization or to be
exact, civilization of Muslims-and our life today-there stands what is
called 'Western civilization', a civilization whose accomplishments are
not few, and whose negative consequences, particularly for
nonWesterners' are plentiful.
Our era is an era of the preponderance of Western culture and
civilization, an understanding of which is imperative. However, for such
an understanding to be effective and useful, it is essential to go
beyond its surface and the superficialities and to reach its theoretical
basis and the fundamentals of its values.
Recognition of our past is equally imperative, not in order to return
and stay in the past, which is pure regression, but rather for the
rediscovery of the essence of our identity and its refinement in the
mentalities and habits hardened by time and place, as well as for
rational criticism of the past in order to find proper support for
today's honor and dignity and a platform to go beyond the present
towards a future more splendid than the past.
Undoubtedly, we will only succeed in moving forward along this path if
we possess the requisite fairness and capacity to utilize the positive
scientific, technological, and social accomplishments of Western
civilization, a stage we must inevitably go through to reach the future.
Painful and bitter though we find the passivity and backwardness of
Muslim countries, nevertheless the mere happy reminder that we can
transform our destiny through awareness, resolve, and solidarity is a
matter of elation and delight.
We can certainly move the present as well as future generations towards
a new Islamic civilization through setting our eyes on horizons farther
away, being together with understanding and helping each other as
brothers. For this to become a reality, all of us must put our minds to
the realization of an 'Islamic civil society' in our respective
countries.
The civil society which we want to promote and perfect in our society
and which we recommend to other Islamic societies is fundamentally
different from the 'civil society' that is rooted in Greek philosophical
thinking and Roman political tradition and which, having gone through
the Middle Ages, has acquired its peculiar orientation and identity in
the modern world. The two, however, are not necessarily in conflict and
contradiction in all their manifestations and consequences. This is
exactly why we should never be oblivious to the judicious acquisition of
the positive accomplishments of Western civil society.
While Western civil society, historically as well as , theoretically,
is derived from the Greek city-state and the later Roman political
system, the civil society we have in mind has its origin, from a
historical and theoretical point of view, in Madinat ul-Nabi. Changing
Yathreb to Madinatun-Nabi was not just a change of name, nor did the
change from Ayyam ul-jahiliah (Days of Ignorance) to Ayyam-Ullah'
(Days of Allah) represent just an alteration of designation. Madinah
is not soil and territory just as Yaum-Ullah does not stand for
time.
With Madinat ul-Nabi and Ayyam-Ullah there emerged in the early
days of Islam a moral geography and history that ushered in the
beginning of a new outlook, character, and culture. This culture, with
its unique and distinct view of existence and man and their origin, has
for centuries lived in the depths of the soul and collective memory of
Muslims. Now, more than ever before, Muslims need to take abode in their
own common home.
Despite the fact that ethnic, geographical, and social differences among
Muslims have over time given different semblances and flavors to the
Muslim individual, Madinat ul-Nabi remains as our eternal moral abode
and Yaum-Ullah continues to flow as current time through all moments
of our lives, or else they ought to. Madinah emerged through hegira
(exodus) from the land of polytheism and oppression, as Yaum-Ullah
began as the result of a break with the time of Jahiliah (darkness)
and entry into the sacred realm of Divine 'Time and Presence'.
Taking abode in the 'common Islamic home' does not mean regression,
rejection of scientific achievements, withdrawal from the modern world
or seeking conflict with others. On the contrary, it is only after such
a return to the common identity that we can live in peace and
tranquility with other peoples and nations.
Living in peace and security can only be realized when one fully understands the culture and thinking but also the concerns as well as the ways and manners of others. Sophisticated understanding of the cultural and moral dimensions of other societies and nations entails establishment of a dialogue with them.
A genuine meaningful discourse can take place only when the parties
concerned find themselves in their own genuine true position, otherwise
the dialogue between an alienated imitator and others is meaningless and
certainly void of any good or benefit. Seeking abode in the common
Islamic home, Madinatun Nabi-is tantamount to the assumption by
Muslims of their true position; that is, securing their true Islamic
identity.
In the civil society that we espouse, although it is centered around
the axis of Islamic thinking and culture, personal or group dictatorship
or even the tyranny of the majority and elimination of the minority has
no place. In such a society, man, due to the very attribute of being
human, is venerated and revered and his rights respected. Citizens of an
Islamic civil society enjoy the right to determine their own destiny,
supervise the governance and hold the government accountable.
The government in such a society is the servant of the people and not
their master, and in every eventuality, is accountable to the people
whom God has entitled to determine their own destiny. Our civil society
is not a society where only Muslims are entitled to rights and are
considered citizens. Rather, all individuals are entitled to rights,
within the framework of law and order. Defending such rights ranks among
the important fundamental duties of the government.
Respect for human rights and compliance with their relevant norms and
standards is not a posture adopted out of political expediency or
conformity with others. Rather it is the natural consequence of our
religious teachings and precepts. Amir Al-Mu'menin Imam Ali (AS)
enjoined his representative to observe the principle of justice and
equity as regards all people and not Muslims. only, for 'they are of two
groups; a group of them is your brothers in faith and the other is like
you in creation'.
Our civil society seeks neither to dominate others nor to submit to
domination. It recognizes the right of other nations to
self-determination and access to the necessary means for an honorable
living. Determined not to yield to force and coercion and in its drive
to stand on its own feet, our civil society, as instructed by the Holy
Qur’an, considers itself entitled to acquire all requisite means for
material and technical progress and authority. The rejection of
domination and subservience no doubt means the rejection of force and
duplicity in relations among nations, and their replacement with logic
and the principle of mutual respect in international relations.
The civil society we champion is based on our collective identity whose
attainment requires the continuous and ceaseless endeavors of
intellectuals and thinkers. It is not a treasure that can be unearthed
overnight; rather, it is a fountain of life and morality from whose
constant effusion we will benefit.
Therefore, enjoyment of this treasure is gradual and is dependent on
scrupulous cognizance and re-examination of our heritage as well as
our doctrinal and intellectual tradition on the one hand, and
sophisticated scientific and philosophical understanding of the modern
world on the other. Hence, it is the thinkers and men of, learning who
is pivotal in this movement and play the central role: Our success along
this path depends upon politics serving thought and virtue and not
acting as a confined and restrictive framework for them.
What I have just stated is not an exercise in imagination but the
panoramic outlook of a future situation, whose achievement is possible
and for whose realization it is our urgent duty to strive. We are of the
belief that movement along this clear path has commenced in Iran thanks
to the victory of the Islamic Revolution.
The honorable people of Iran are pursuing their way with self-confidence
and through perseverance in the face of difficulties and struggling
against internal restrictive and regressive habits and mindsets on- the
one hand, and external pressure and conspiracies on the other. Along
this path, they extend their hands, in fraternity and cooperation, to
all Muslim nations and states and also to all nations and states who are
committed to the principle of mutual respect.
Regaining Islamic honor and dignity, which God has discerned for us,
and acquiring the requisite capabilities to claim our due share in the
present world and in the creation of a new civilization, or at least,
actively participating in the genesis of the civilization that will
inevitably replace the existing one, we Muslims should rely on two
important factors: one, wisdom and reason, and the other, cohesion and
solidarity. In order to realize these two prodigious marvels can there
be anything for us but recourse to the Holy Qur’an-the eternal heritage
of the Glorious Prophet of Islam?
Which Divine Book or Message more than the Qur’an has so much emphasized reasoning, meditation, reflection, contemplation, and deliberation on existence and on the world, and on learning from the fate of past peoples and communities? Furthermore, against all 'racial, ethnic, linguistic and even religious differences, the Holy Qur’an is the most trustworthy anchor of bond and unity among us Muslims, provided, of course, that we appreciate it and rely on it, with wisdom, and enlighten with its bright rays our life today as well as our future horizons, without rigidity and habitually on the one hand, and a sense of inferiority vis-à-vis others on the other hand.
At this juncture and on the occasion of this august assembly, I briefly
present to the distinguished audience, with deep fraternal feeling, the
priorities that Muslim countries need to address and find remedies for,
on which I seek the assistance of the conference.
- Towards a New and just World Order
Despite the efforts of American politicians to impose their will on others, as the remaining pole of power, around whose interests the world should gravitate, international relations are in the process of transition from the previous bi-polar system to a new stage of history. In our view, a new order based on pluralism is taking shape in the world that, God willing, will not be the monopoly of any single power.
What is imperative for us Muslim countries-is that while valiantly resisting all kinds of expansionism, we should strive to secure our proper position and stature in contributing to the shaping of the new world political order and new international relations. This entails understanding, planning, and common endeavor.
It is imperative that Muslim countries should engage in a meticulous
evaluation of their position and capabilities, and upon undertaking an
objective assessment of their external environment, proceed to adopt
appropriate policies to arrive at political solidarity and consolidation
of all 'their internal resources, and thereby strive towards ensuring
effective participation in international decision making. Initially,
relying on principles, common heritage and interests as well as on
negotiation, we should strive to bring our views closer together in all
areas and then create a chain of well-connected complementing
possibilities through proper utilization of capabilities.
* *
- Security and Peace in the Region and the World
Parallel to joint efforts towards fulfilling the historical mission of the Islamic world in contributing to the shaping of a new humane world order, the full-fledged cooperation of Muslim countries towards the provision and preservation of world peace is an undeniable necessity.
However, the provision of security and lasting humane peace in the world entails that the cold-war paradigm, which was based on the necessity of the existence-for public opinion-of an actual or imagined external enemy, be cast aside. It is unfortunate though that certain expansionist tendencies in the world are seeking to create an imaginary enemy, of Islam.
It is, therefore, incumbent upon us all to strive, through effective and
continual participation in the promotion of peace and security at
regional and global levels, to strengthen confidence, reduce security
concerns and moreover, render ineffective the wrong inculcations by the
enemies of Islam. We should be vigilant, however, about what is most
threatening to our security, that is, the trend of increasing threats
against the very political, cultural, and economic existence of Muslims,
particularly because the extension of the range of these threats, law,
pursuit of state terrorism, and development of nuclear weapons,
seriously threatens peace and security in the region.
In the sensitive and strategic region of the Persian Gulf, the regional
states themselves should undertake to preserve security and peace. In
our view, the presence of foreign forces and armada in this sensitive
area serves not only as a source of tension and insecurity, but also has
tragic environmental consequences.
What are happening in the dear land of Afghanistan is indeed a massive human tragedy, as well as a fertile ground for foreign intervention and disruption of security and stability in the whole region. Muslim countries, and for that matter, the Organization of the Islamic Conference, should insist that there is no military solution to the Afghan problem.
The painful predicament in this country should be resolved, initially
through negotiation with the parties involved and finally, by the Afghan
people themselves. The Islamic Conference is expected to help guide this
country towards peace and tranquility through inviting all the parties
involved to engage in negotiation.
The situation in Iraq, particularly in the north, is also a cause for
concern. While inviting Iraq to cooperate properly with the United
Nations, we believe that foreign intervention, particularly conflict and
war in the northern area that has led to the displacement of hundreds of
thousands of civilians, has created the grounds for widespread
insecurity in the region. We attach great importance to the territorial
integrity of Iraq and declare our readiness to undertake all
humanitarian measures in this important country of the region.
The dangerous designs for foreign infiltration and penetration,
particularly by Israel, in various parts of our region are a serious
cause for concern, underlining the necessity of vigilance on the part of
all countries of the region. We welcome the active and self-assertive
presence of the states of Central Asia and the Caucasus in the process
of independence and development towards the honor and dignity of the
Islamic world.
At this point, while welcoming the trend of peace in the friendly and fraternal nation of Tajikistan, I deem it necessary to express our gratitude to President Rahmonov and Mr. Abdullah Noori, the chairman of the National Reconciliation Commission, for their cooperation towards the Conference to exert its utmost efforts in order to prevent the spread of ethnic differences as well as to strengthen the process of peace in this country.
Some Islamic countries are currently facing foreign threats and
conspiracies and are also burdened with difficulties emanating from
internal differences. The Islamic Conference in general and Islamic
countries in particular should declare their solemn support for the
independence and interests of these countries as well as their respect
for the wishes and aspirations of Muslim nations. Moreover, the Islamic
Conference should act and move in a manner and direction that Muslims
everywhere in the world, including Muslim minorities in non-Muslim
countries, find in the organization a source of confidence and assured
support.
In any eventuality, we should remain vigilant vis-à-vis visible as well
as invisible sources of threat against our security. We believe that the
Islamic countries have reached the requisite stage of maturity to
undertake, through understanding and conclusion of collective agreements
and treaties, to preserve their own security as well as that of the
region in which they live. In this particular connection, the Islamic
Republic of Iran, while emphasizing cooperation among states in the
Persian Gulf region for the preservation of regional peace and
stability, considers the conclusion of collective defense-security
arrangements in the Persian Gulf an assured step towards the
establishment of lasting security in the region and towards the defense
of the common interests and concerns of all the countries and nations
concerned.
* *
3)Comprehensive, balanced, and Sustainable Development of Islamic Countries
Development constitutes another propitious basis for the preservation of
the security, stability, and independence of Islamic societies as well
as for the honor and dignity of Muslim nations. In our view, proper and
preferred development is comprehensive, balanced, and sustainable; it
should ensure participation of all individuals, groups, and segments of
society, including women and youth. In development defined as such, the
human being is the central factor, whose enjoyment of the material and
spiritual blessings of life constitutes the very fundamental objective
of development.
In order to achieve such development, we should, first and foremost,
define and devise the proper patterns of development compatible with the
particularities of our respective societies and the Islamic world. We
should also acknowledge that no country could successfully overcome all
the hurdles of development on its own.
Further, it is imperative that Islamic countries undertake a comprehensive, precise, and scientific assessment and evaluation of their capabilities and capacities, and help create through utilization of their respective comparative advantages-a ring of interconnected links of complementary developmental undertakings across the Islamic world.
Simultaneously, they should also properly exploit their God-given assets and resources, through efficient management and reliance on knowledge, technology, and manpower, as well as through suitable cooperation and exchange in scientific, technical, and economic fields and through exchange of specialized and skilled labor. The Islamic world will undoubtedly develop into an important pole of power, progress, and authority in the present as well as the future world through adoption and use of these steps and measures.
The existing religious bonds, spiritual affinities, and common cultural
heritage among Muslim countries, once complemented with scientific,
economic, political, technical, and cultural interaction and exchange,
will certainly provide the requisite material and moral foundations and
pillars for the establishment of a progressive, advancing and tranquil
society and will bring them collective development and security.
* *
- Reassessment of the Role of the Organization of the Islamic Conference
The Organization of the Islamic Conference, as the only universal
multilateral organization in the Islamic world, plays an important role
in the accomplishment of the aforementioned and, in general, the
realization of the fundamental objectives of 'participation, dialogue,
security, and development'. In light of the steadily growing role of
religion in general and Islam in particular in recent decades in
explaining and shaping human relationships, Muslims all over the world
are well-justified to look upon the Organization of the Islamic
Conference as a refuge and source to meet their supranational Islamic
and human needs and aspirations.
The Organization of the Islamic Conference, with thirty years of
experience, enjoys the requisite potential resources for a more
effective presence at the international level. Hence, it is natural that
we now take up the question of looking for new approaches and mechanisms
to strengthen its organizational structure as well as to make more
efficient its decisions and ensure their implementation.
Under the present circumstances, it is incumbent upon the Organization
of the Islamic Conference to assume a more active and innovative
presence internationally, particularly in the resolution of current
conflicts among member states or the crises imposed on them from
outside.
The Organization's initiative in defending the rights of the honorable
people of Bosnia stands out as a good start for a serious change in the
organization's approach to international difficulties and crises.
Preservation and continuation of such a sensitivity and active support
of the rights and interests of Muslim societies and Muslim communities
and minorities in non-member countries, along with constructive
engagement in finding a solution to such chronic cases as that of
Kashmir, is imperative for the institutionalization of a more pronounced
role for the organization.
All of us should help the Organization of the Islamic Conference so
that it can strive, more forcefully and unequivocally, towards a sincere
and compassionate resolution of differences within the Islamic world. We
should also support the organization, financially as well as
politically, in discharging its mandate. At the same time, more vigorous
attention to the fundamental and pressing problems and issues of the
Islamic world on the part of the organization, along with the
enhancement of the content of its decisions;-and further reinforcement
of its plans and activities, will certainly make the organization more
energetic and dynamic.'
And finally, in closing, I would like to express my gratitude once again to our dear guests and wish every success for this august gathering and greater achievements for the Organization of the t Islamic Conference.
And let our last word be 'Praise be to Allah, the Cherisher and
Sustainer of the Worlds'.
'Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Creation, will be the last of our
prayers'.
Was-Salamu Alaikum Wa Rahmattullah.