Conclusions and recommendations of the conference "Coexistence of Muslims with others in the Islamic tradition"

The Islamic Pedagogical Faculty of the University of Zenica organized an international conference under the title: "Coexistence of Muslims with others in the Islamic tradition".

The conference intrigued a large number of researchers from all over the Islamic world. The Scientific Committee of the Conference received over fifty applications for participation with a summary of the works of participants from Mauritania, Algeria, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Iraq... However, the impossibility of obtaining a visa for Bosnia and Herzegovina prevented many of them from coming to the Conference. The total number of papers that were presented at the Conference and printed in the book of abstracts, and fully published in electronic form on the website of the Faculty, was 17. The Conference ended with the adoption of conclusions and recommendations, which we publish in full.

Conclusions of the Conference

Thanks be to Allah, may peace and blessings be upon the Prophet, peace be upon him

At the end of the international conference entitled: "Coexistence of Muslims with others in the Islamic tradition" held at the Hotel Zenica in Zenica on Monday, May 30, 2016. organized by the Islamic Pedagogical Faculty in Zenica, the following conclusions were adopted:

1 - Diversity is an innate human trait that manifests itself through various cultures, civilizations and religions, but diversity does not in any case mean conflict, as long as mutual rights are respected.

2 - Any effort towards reconciliation in the case of differences on fundamental issues should, when it comes to Muslims, be based on the Qur'an, the Sunnah and the consensus of the Islamic ulama, as the rules dictate.

3 – Cohabitation has no alternative in all disputes in which it is not possible to reach an agreement.

4 - Coexistence with others means mutual preservation of one's rights and rejection of all forms of injustice, and the spread of a culture of mutual respect and appreciation.

5 – Islam came with the brightest examples of coexistence with non-Muslims. It is the pinnacle of what can be realized in reality in that field, far from empty platitudes and double standards in application.

6 - Islamic civilization throughout its entire history, from China in the east to Endelus in the west, is the best witness that Muslims are ahead of others in terms of coexistence with mutual respect for the rights of others, in addition to pride in their religion, civilization and culture.

7 - According to Islamic teaching, coexistence is against violence, but also against losing one's Islamic identity and drowning in others.

8 - The same way we invite coexistence with non-Muslims, according to the Qur'anic verse: "Allah does not forbid you to do good and to be just towards those who do not fight against you because of religion and who do not drive you out of your homeland - Allah, indeed , he loves those who are righteous.” (Al-Mumtahina, 8) and we raise our voice against violence against non-Muslims in the name of Islam, we also call non-Muslims to coexist with Muslims and we raise our voice against violence against Muslims under any pretext, because injustice and violence are unjustified in any case.

9 - True coexistence, as is necessary between individuals, is also even more necessary between states, with mutual respect for rights and the fight against every form of injustice and violence between them, without applying double standards in reference to universal human norms and values.

Conference participants recommend:

1 - Affirming the universality of Islam by highlighting bright examples of coexistence with others, which are abundant in the Islamic tradition, and encouraging scientific works on this topic.

2 - Spreading the true meaning of coexistence that guarantees Muslims the preservation of their rights, just as it guarantees the rights of others.

3 - Establishment of scientific centers that will emphasize the universality of Islam and its unique philosophy of coexistence.

4 - Support to individuals and organizations that are distinguished by their objectivity and fair witnessing of the merits of Islam in this field.

5 - Organizing scientific meetings, round tables and expert workshops that will treat the issue of coexistence from all aspects. Various structures of different religions and cultures should be invited to such activities.

6 - Organizing a similar international conference that will deal with the reconciliation of Muslims of different orientations with each other.

Finally, we thank the Almighty God, and then all those who participated in this conference, with their report, discussion and presence. Also, we thank all the commissions that did their work in the preparation and organization of this conference.