|
Introduction to
the Charter
Despite their
diversity, Muslims of Europe share common values and principles. In
order to portray this to European society they need to clearly express
their religious convictions and the nature of their presence in
Europe.
This charter aims
to define a number of principles in accordance with the common
understanding of Islam within the European context and to set
thenceforth the foundations of greater positive interaction with
society.
The rationale
for such a charter includes
-
The contribution of
Islam to modern Europe as well as the rooted Islamic presence as
represented by Muslims in many of the Eastern Europe states. Likewise,
the establishment of Muslim communities in several Western European
countries has witnessed a shift from a transitory presence of foreign
migrants to a more permanent presence.
-
The Muslim presence
in Europe requires a framework of citizenship based on justice,
equality of rights, with respect for difference, and the recognition
of Muslims as a religious community.
-
The importance of
Islam in the world and its spiritual, human and civilisational
potential requires a rapprochement with the West, and Europe in
particular, in order to ensure justice and peace in the world.
-
In line with the
expansion and development of the European Union, there is a need for
greater co-operation among Muslims of Europe.
-
The need to uphold
the values of mutual understanding, working for peace and the welfare
of society, moderation and inter-cultural dialogue, removed from all
inclinations of extremism and exclusion.
These
considerations have led European Muslim organisations to formulate
this charter in the hope of enhancing the role of Muslims in
benefiting European society and to help it build bridges with the rest
of the Muslim world.
Read in This
Charter
Articles of the
Charter
Section
One: On the Understanding of Islam
-
Our understanding
of Islam is based on immutable principles that are derived from the
authentic sources of Islam: the Qur'an and the Prophetic traditions (Sunnah),
within the framework of consensus with consideration for the time
factor as well as the specifics of the European reality.
-
The true spirit of
Islam is based on moderation as extended from the Objectives (Maqasid)
of this religion. This moderation avoids both laxity and excessiveness
and reconciles reason and revelation, taking into consideration the
material and spiritual needs of man, with a balanced outlook on life
which brings together the existence in the next life as well as
constructive work in this world.
-
In its principles,
rulings and values, Islam can be structured under the following three
areas: the creed as expressed in the six pillars of faith — Belief
in God, the Angels, the revealed books, the messengers, the Hereafter
and Divine Decree; the Shari'ah as expressed in acts of Worship and
human interaction; and the Ethical code which lays down the
foundations for living the good life. These three interconnected areas
are complementary and aim to fulfil the Interests (Maslaha) of
humanity and avert harm from it.
-
The emphasis on the
human dimension, legislative flexibility and respect for diversity and
natural differences among human beings are important characteristics
of Islam.
-
Islam has honoured
human beings as stewards of the earth. This honour embraces all the
children of Adam, both male and female, without discrimination. By
virtue of this honour, human beings are to be protected from anything
that is an affront to their dignity, is harmful to their mental
faculties, is damaging to their health or which abuses their rights by
exploiting their vulnerabilities.
-
Islam gives
particular emphasis to the social dimension and calls for compassion,
mutual support, co-operation and brotherhood. These values are
exemplified in the rights due to parents, relatives, neighbours, the
poor, the needy, the sick, the elderly and others, regardless of their
race or creed.
-
Islam calls for
equality between man and woman within the framework of mutual respect
and views that a balanced life is one in which the relationship
between man and woman is harmonious and complementary. It
unequivocally rejects all notions or actions that undermine women or
deprive them of their legitimate rights, regardless of some customs or
habits of some Muslims. Islam strongly opposes the exploitation of
women and their treatment as mere objects of desire.
-
Islam considers
that a family based on the bonds of marriage between a man and a woman
is the natural and necessary environment for the raising of future
generations. The family is the basis for the happiness of an
individual and the stability of society. Thus, Islam emphasises the
significance of taking all measures in order to reinforce the family
and protect it from all things that will weaken or marginalise its
role.
-
Islam respects
human rights and calls for equality among all human beings, it rejects
all forms of racial discrimination and emphasises the importance of
liberty. Hence it condemns compulsion in religion and allows the
individual freedom of conscience. Furthermore, Islam encourages that
freedom ought to be exercised in accordance with moral values and
respect for law, such that it does not infringe upon the rights of
others.
-
Islam calls for
mutual acquaintance between people, dialogue and co-operation among
people and nations so as to enhance co-existence and achieve peace in
the world. The term Jihad that occurs in Islamic texts means to exert
all efforts towards good, starting from reforming oneself to spreading
truth and justice between people. Jihad in its understanding as
warfare is regarded as one of the means available to a Muslim state
when it needs to defend itself against aggression. This is in
compliance with international law. Based on such an understanding of
Jihad, Islam rejects indiscriminate violence and terrorism and
supports just causes and affirms the right of all people to defend
themselves by legitimate means.
-
Islam enjoins upon
Muslims to be honest and respect their undertakings. It forbids
treason and treachery. It ordains excellence in dealings with other
people and the rest of creation.
-
In view of the
virtues of consultation (Shura) and with consideration to the
developments in the political, legislative and constitutional realms,
Islam affirms the principles of democracy based on pluralism, freedom
to choose political authority and peaceful alternation of power.
-
Islam urges human
beings to use nature in a responsible manner. This requires the
preservation of the environment and its protection from all causes of
pollution and harm as well as anything that will destroy the delicate
balance of nature. Likewise, it requires the protection of natural
resources and forbids cruelty to animals, over-consumption and wastage
of wealth.
Section
Two: The Muslim Presence in Society
The Principles
of Interaction Among Muslims
-
Despite their
ethnic and cultural diversity and their affiliations to various
schools of Islamic law and thought, Muslims of Europe all constitute
one religious entity within a framework of Islamic principles united
by fraternity. Likewise throughout the European states, they also
share a belonging to the state in which they reside. Any
discrimination arising between them based on ethnic origin is against
the value of Islam which emphasises unity.
-
Based on the
principles of their religion and on shared interests, Muslims of
Europe are urged to come together and co-operate and co-ordinate the
efforts of their different institutions. This should not fail to
recognise the natural diversity that exists among them, within the
framework of Islam as generally agreed by consensus.
-
In addition to
their belonging to the country in which they reside and their
commitment to citizenship, Muslims of Europe also belong to the Muslim
'Ummah.' Their connection with Muslims around the world is natural by
virtue of their belonging to the same faith. This relationship should
be capitalized upon in strengthening the links between Europe and the
Islamic world, as any form of mutual help among people of the world is
encouraged.
On
Citizenship
-
Muslims of Europe
respect the laws of the land and the authorities that uphold them.
This should not prevent them from individually or collectively
defending their rights and expressing their opinions based on their
specific concerns as a religious community or any general matter that
concerns them as citizens. Whenever there is a conflict with regards
to certain laws and matters that are specific to religion, the
relevant authorities should be approached in order to arrive at
suitable and viable solutions.
-
Muslims of Europe
adhere to the principle of secularism based on the neutrality of the
state regarding religious affairs. This means just dealings with all
religions and allows those who hold religious values to express their
beliefs and practice the rites of their religion either as individuals
or groups in both the general and specific matters, as is specified in
European and international human rights charters and treaties. On this
basis, it remains the right of Muslims, as religious communities, to
establish mosques, religious, educational and welfare institutions to
practice their religion in day-to-day affairs in virtue of diet,
clothing and other needs.
-
As European
citizens, Muslims of Europe regard that it is their duty to work for
the good of society and their enthusiasm in this endeavour should be
no less than their enthusiasm in demanding their rights. They are
required to play an active role in society, in contributing, taking
the initiative and striving to bring benefit to others.
-
Muslims are urged
to positively integrate with their respective societies, on the basis
of a harmonious balance between preservation of Muslim identity and
the duties of citizenship. Any form of integration that fails to
recognise the right of Muslims to preserve their Islamic personality
and the right to perform their religious obligations does not serve
the interests of Muslims nor the European societies to which they
belong.
-
Muslims of Europe
are encouraged to participate in the political process as active
citizens. Real citizenship includes political engagement from casting
one's vote to taking part in political institutions.
-
Muslims of Europe
emphasise their respect for pluralism and the religious and
philosophical diversity of the multicultural societies they live in.
They believe that Islam affirms the diversity that exists between
people and so is not discomforted by this multicultural reality.
Rather Islam calls for members of society to appreciate and enrich one
another through their differences.
Islam's
Contribution to Europe
-
The universal and
humane principles of Islam endorse the coming together of the world so
long as the rights and particularities of peoples are respected and
the principles of fairness in trade and co-operation are observed
without exploitation and hegemonic use of power. Hence Muslims of
Europe consider it their duty to consolidate relations between Europe
and the Muslim world. This requires that we free ourselves from the
mutual prejudices and negative impressions that exist between Islam
and the West so that bridges of fruitful exchange can be built.
-
Given its
culturally rich heritage and emphasis on humanity, Islam, through its
presence in Europe, can participate in enhancing important values in
contemporary society such as justice, freedom, fraternity, equality
and solidarity. It gives primacy to moral considerations as well as to
scientific, technical and economic progress. This participation can be
beneficial and enriching for the whole society.
-
The Muslim presence
in Europe is regarded as a key element in establishing better
communication and co-existence between the different religions and
beliefs by encouraging discussion between different faiths and
ideologies. This will no doubt bolster the path towards global peace.
-
Through their
religious and cultural legacy as well as their presence in many
different European states, Muslims of Europe represent a supporting
element to the efforts of strengthening the European Union. With its
diverse religious and cultural make up, Europe can act as an important
civilizational signpost with a key role in maintaining international
stability between influential world powers.
"Oh
Mankind, indeed we created you from a male and female and have made
you different nations and tribes so that you may get to know one
another." (Qur'an, The Chambers [Al-Hujurat]: 13)
Read
Muslims in Europe Charter Project
|
