Tradition-Rooted Wrongdoings Erroneously Attributed to Islam

Positive role of interfaith dialogue in curbing violence and discrimination against women was highlighted at the symposium held at United Nations, New York.

On February 12, Organization of Islamic Cooperation and Peace Islands Institute co-organized symposium took place to commemorate World Harmony Day. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has also sent a message to the event. 

The symposium titled “The Role of Interfaith Dialogue in Peacebuilding and Women Empowerment” featured Secretary General of Organization of Islamic Cooperation Prof. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu as the keynote speaker, who underscored that Islam recognizes and includes women in every field of life. According to Ihsanoglu his organization has made considerable efforts to contribute to women rights for the last ten years. “Thankfully, awareness of the factors posing physical and psychological risks to women has increased in recent years.” Ihsanoglu stated. He also emphasized that Islam opposes violence against women and forcing girls into juvenile marriage. Drawing attention to the serious problems women are still facing today, “Despite those misfortunes, women still remain strong and productive and occupy critical positions in a wide variety of fields including human rights, business, intercultural dialogue and peace building.”

Next, United Nation’s Permanent Representative to Nigeria Usman Sarki noted that restrictions on women’s rights are attributed to religions turning them into unsolvable misconducts. “Wrongdoings rooted in traditions are erroneously attributed to religion. It is states’ duty to provide civil society organizations with the environment and conditions for interfaith dialogue to flourish.” Usman said.

Among the speakers of the symposium bringing people from various countries and faiths was Marie C. Mukabmaban, a survivor of Rwanda Massacre that took place in 1994. She stated that “It is not religion but ignorance what leads to violence and discrimination against women. Through interfaith dialogue, not only will a major contribution to improvement of women’s right be made but recurrence of tragedies experienced in my country will be also prevented.”

Another thought-provoking presentation was given by President of Alliance for Shared Values Alp Aslandogan.

Aslandogans’s presentation was an answer to those claiming that the murderous assault on Malala, an advocate for girls’ education in Pakistan, was due to Islamic belief. “The President of the country, who honored Malala with a medal of courage, is a Pakistani just like the shooters are. The demonstrators supporting Malala and her teachers are likewise Pakistani.” Aslandogan said.

“Muslims want their daughters to receive education in safe and decent environments which explains the preference for Turkish schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan.” he commented. Additionally, Aslandogan noted that the parents in southeastern part of Turkey were reluctant to send their daughter to school until recently, while now the Hizmet Movement’s schools in the region are much in demand by the very same parents.

Sarah Sayeed, Ph.D from Interfaith Center of New York took the stage in the second half of the two-session symposium. She quoted Prophet Mohammad’s hadith saying “The best legacy to hand down to your children is a decent character.” She drew attention to the significance Islam attaches to education without gender discrimination.

Published [in Turkish] on RisaleHaber.com, 13 February 2013, Wednesday