MWL-Journal-2015-May

l Rajab1436/May 2015 l
1
‘Operation Decisive Storm’ brought
glory to the Muslim World
‘Operation Decisive Storm’, which was launched
on the orders of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques
King Salman bin Abdul Aziz, “as a historic decision
that came at the right time.”
The wise and brave operation was initiated keep-
ing in view the provisions of Shari’ah laws. It was
not dependent on personal or political gains.
Any threat to Kingdom and any evil intention to-
wards the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madi-
nah cannot be tolerated.
There is no possibility of forgiving whoever
tries to threaten or jeopardize the security of these
Mosques.
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) blessed
Yemen and send Ali bin Abi Taleb and Maaz bin Ja-
bal and a number of his companions. Under Islam,
we are obliged to support our neighbours if they seek
help.
The Houthies have foreign support. They have
their own agenda and they only wish to spead their
domination over the Gulf countries.
The Decisive Storm came after the Kingdom ex-
hausted all efforts to contain the crisis through dia-
logue.
The Muslim World League has followed the events
in Yemen from the very beginning, and it is still fol-
lowing the grisly situation of violence, its horrifying
images and the appalling unprecedented crimes com-
mitted by Houthies against the innocent people of Ye-
men turning cities and villages into rubbles as they are
being shelled with deadly weapons from all directions
and killing civilians, disfiguring the bodies of many
martyred solders, using the scorched earth policy to
terrify the civilians and force them to flee their cities
which has resulted in the displacement of many civil-
ians who are wandering in search of shelters.
The MWL held conferences in Cambodia, Japan
and Taiwan in order to make a strategy to fight against
terrorism and to bring solidarity among different sec-
tions of the Islamic nations as well as among differ-
ent religions.
The cover story on the conferences gives details of
deliberations regarding Dialogue between Muslims
and religious leaders and also brings up salient fea-
tures of the Final Communiqué.
Peace requires working to resolve the problems
while adhering to our religion. The crises and de-
stabilization that many Muslim nations are suffering
only confirm the need for spreading the approach of
reconciliation, tolerance, moderation and support.
“Muslim countries must stand united against attempts
to undermine our religion and unity.” In this relation
we carried an article titled “Islam and the Challenges
of Modernisation.
We also carried some other articles related to the
Muslims’ worst situations in all over the world espe-
cially in Burma and Kashmir those bring up details
information of present situation of Muslims there.
This is besides a long interview with Dr. Kamal
Hassan former Rector of International Islamic Uni-
versity Malaysia which will give you more informa-
tion pertaining to the Multiple Dimensions of Inte-
gration of Knowledge and its Relevance in Muslim
Minority Countries.
Letter From the Editor

2
C O N
Vol.43lRajab1436/May2015lNo.7
Seminar in Cambodia
“Islam, Message of Peace and
Tolerance”
Haram Imam: Yemen opera-
tion ‘protects holy land from
foes of Islam’
5 8
Letter from the Editor
‘Operation Decisive Storm’ brought glory to the Muslim World......1
Guidance from Qur’an and Sunnah.................................................4
Conference on
“Dialogue Between Muslims and Religious Leaders in Japan”
(In Search of Common Visions)
MWLJ Desk Report..............................................................................9
Saudi Arabia warns against states sponsoring terror to target it
MWLJ Desk Report..................................................................................12
Situation of Muslims in Arakan and Burma after 2012 violence
Dr. Mohammed Ali.............................................................................18
Designing demography in Kashmir
Asif Ezdi...................................................................................................22
PRC expect from supreme court justice for stranded Pakistanis
MWLJ Desk Report............................................................................26
Islam and the Challenges of Modernisation
Dr. Mozammel Haque..............................................................................28
Journal
TheMuslimWorldLeague
135
Secretary-General
Dr. Abdullah A. Mohsin Al-Turki
Director General
Media & External Offices and Centres
and
Chief Editor
Dr. Hassan Al-Ahdal
Director
Culture & Media Dept.
Abdullah Ali Al-Nemary
Editor
Mohammad Zakir Hossain
Layout and Graphic Designer
Khaled Awad Al-Muazzin
The Muslim World League Journal
P.O. Box: 537
Makkah, Saudi Arabia
Tel/ Fax: 00966 (012) 5600923
E-mail:
mwljournal@themwl.org
www.themwl.org

3
T E N T SAnnual Subscription Rates
Saudi Arabia
Individual subscribers: SR. 36
Organizations: SR. 100
Other Countries
Individual subscribers: $20
Organizations: $26
Cheques payable to Muslim
World League may be sent to
Circulation & Subscription Deptt.
Muslim World League,
P.O. Box: 537
Makkah, Saudi Arabia
All articles and correspondence
may please be addressed to Chief
Editor, The Muslim World League
Journal. While we reserve the right
toedit,summariseorrejectanycon-
tribution, no article, report or letter
will be returned to the sender.
Views expressed in The Muslim
WorldLeagueJournaldonotneces-
sarily represent those of the Muslim
World League. Articles published
may, however, be reproduced with
acknowledgement.
Syrian Refugees and the
International Community
India and the UNSC seat
22 39
Arabic:
A Common African Heritage
Dr. Busari Kehinde Kamorudden...........................................................32
Multiple Dimensions Of Integration Of Knowledge and
Its Relevance
Sayyed Mohammed Muhsin...............................................................38
Expressing solidarity with the people of Kashmir
Dr. Ali Al-Ghamdi..............................................................................46
Islamic Education Key to Preventing Radicalization
Souheila al-Jadda..............................................................................48
Few Remarks of Turkish President On Equality Of Men and Women
Dr. Zeenath Kausar..................................................................................50
Human Nature and Human Psyche in Qur’anic Perspective
Dr Tauseef Ahmad Parray.......................................................................53
Around the Muslim World
MWLJ Desk Report............................................................................54
Rabita Roundup
Mohammad Zakir Hossain....................................................................60
2214

4
It is narrated on the authority of Anas ibn Malik that the Mes-
senger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:
I was brought al-buraq who is an animal white and long, larg-
er than a donkey but smaller than a mule, who would place its
hoof at a distance equal to the range of vision. I mounted it and
came to Bait-al Maqdis (Jerusalem). I then tethered it to the
ring used by the prophets. I entered the area of the Mosque and
prayed two rak’at in it. I then came out and Gabriel brought
me a vessel of wine and a vessel of milk. I chose the milk, and
Gabriel said, ‘You have chosen al-fitra, the natural way’.
He then ascended with me into the lower heavens and re-
quested that they be opened. It was said: ‘Who are you?’ He
responded: ‘Gabriel’. It was then said: ‘Who is with you?’He
responded: ‘Muhammad’. It was then said: ‘Has revelation
been sent to him?’ He responded: ‘Revelation has been sent
to him’. It was then opened for us and there I was with Adam.
He welcomed me and prayed for my well-being.
Then we ascended to the second heaven and Gabriel requested
that it be opened. It was said: ‘Who are you?’ He responded:
‘Gabriel. It was then said: ‘Who is with you?’ He responded:
‘Muhammad’. It was then said: ‘Has revelation been sent to
him?’ He responded: ‘Revelation has been sent to him’. It
was then opened for us and when I entered Jesus and John
welcomed me and prayed for my well-being.
Gabriel then ascended with me to the third heaven and re-
quested that it be opened. It was said: ‘Who are you?’ He
been sent to him?’He responded: ‘Revelation has been sent to
him’. It was then opened for us and there I was with Joseph,
who was given a great portion of beauty. He welcomed me
and prayed for my well-being.
Gabriel then ascended with me to the fourth heaven and re-
to him’. It was then opened for us and there I was with Enoch.
Gabriel then ascended with me to the fifth heaven and re-
to him’. It was then opened for us and there I was with Aaron.
Gabriel then ascended with me to the sixth heaven and re-
to him’. It was then opened for us and there I was with Moses.
Gabriel then ascended with me to the seventh heaven and re-
been sent to him?’He responded: ‘Revelation has been sent to
him’. It was then opened for us and there I was with Abraham
who was leaning against the bayt al-ma`mur into which enter
seventy thousand angels each day never to return.
Then I was brought to the sidrat al-muntaha, the Lote Tree
of the Furthest Limit, whose leaves were like the ears of an
elephant and whose fruits at first appeared insignificant. But
when Allah spread His command over them they transformed
to the point where no one in creation could describe their
beauty. Then Allah revealed what He revealed to me. He then
made obligatory for me fifty prayers every night and day.
I began my descent until I reached Moses who asked me:
‘What has your Lord made obligatory for your community?’ I
said to him, ‘Fifty prayers.’He then said, ‘Return to your Lord
and ask Him to reduce them, your community will not be able
to bear that. I know the people of Israel from long experience
and I have tested them.’ I then returned to my Lord and said,
‘O Lord, make things lighter for my people’. He then reduced
it by five prayers for me. I then returned to Moses and he said
to me, ‘Your community will not be able to stand that. So re-
turn and ask Him to make things lighter.’I kept going between
my Lord and Moses until Allah said, ‘O Muhammad, there are
five prayers every night and day. Each prayer is equal to ten
prayers making them equal to fifty prayers. Whoever intends
a good deed and does not do it, there will be written for him
a single good deed. If he does it then there will be written for
him ten good deeds. Whoever intends an evil deed and does
not do it then there is nothing written against him. If he does it
then there is written for him one evil deed.’
I then descended until I reached Moses and informed him of
what had occurred. He then said to me, ‘Return to your Lord
and ask Him to make things lighter.’The Messenger of Allah,
may Allah bless him and grant him peace then said, ‘I have
returned to my Lord until I felt ashamed before Him.”
Sahih Muslim
Hadith of the Night Journey and Ascension
Al-Isra’ wal Mi’raj
Guidance from
S u n n a h

5
MWL Secretary General
Opens Seminar in Cambodia
“Islam, Message of Peace and Tolerance”
Mohammad Zakir Hossain
The Secretary General of the Muslim World League (MWL) Dr. Ab-
dullah bin Abdulmohsen Al-Turki, opened the activities of the semi-
nar of ‘Islam, Message of Peace and Tolerance’, in the presence of
the Minister of Religions in Cambodia Min Khin.
The seminar was organized by the League in collaboration with
the Islamic Association in Cambodia.

6
In front of the opening session, the Chairman of
the Islamic Association in Cambodia Mohammed
bin Marwan delivered a speech in which he extend-
ed thanks to the Government of the Custodian of the
Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al
Saud for its continued support for Muslims around
the world.
He also expressed appreciation to the League for
holding this seminar for its importance to Muslims
in the Indochina Peninsula states in building bridg-
es of coexistence with different groups.
For his part, Dr. Al-Turki delivered a speech in
which he stressed that the message of Islam is a uni-
versal message addressing the whole of humanity,
and seeks to educate on peace, tolerance and peace-
ful coexistence among all human beings.
Participants in the seminar was organized by the
Muslim World League (MWL) in cooperation with
the Islamic Association in Cambodia, have extend-
ed their thanks and appreciation to the Custodian of
the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz
Al Saud; the Crown Prince and the Deputy Crown
Prince for their keenness and care for the benefit of
Muslims to achieve security and stability in human
societies.
In their statement issued at the conclusion of the
seminar the participants supported the decision of
the operation of ‘Determination Storm’ which was
launched in the name of the Gulf and Arab Coali-
tion, by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques,
valuing the response by leaders of the Gulf Arab
States and Arab and Islamic countries to the initia-
tive, which came in a proper and important time.
The participants also emphasized that the Arab
and Islamic solidarity and agreement on standing
firmly as one with this decision, stressing the keen-
ness of leaders of these countries to ensuring the
achievement of security and stability in the Arab
and Muslim world as a whole.
Moreover, they commended the efforts of the
Muslim World League, and the interest of the host
country - the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - and its ac-
tivities.
They also expressed thanks to the Kingdom for
holding this seminar and commended their efforts
in the service of Islam, Muslims and treatment of
Muslims’ problems.
Participants in the seminar recommended the
establishment of a regional office of the Muslim
World League in the Indochinese peninsula, in co-
operation with the Islamic Association of Cambo-
dia.

7
With the help of Allah Almighty the work of the
seminar on “Islam and the Message of Peace and
Tolerance,” has been concluded. The event has been
organized by the Muslim World League in collabo-
ration with the Muslim Association in Cambodia. It
has been held in the City of Phnom Penh on the 15th
of Jumada al-Thani 1436 H corresponding to 4 April
2015.
A number of distinguished scholars, researchers
and academics have enriched the seminar sessions
by their participation and contributions.
At the opening session of the seminar, His Ex-
cellency the Minister of Religions in Cambodia Mr.
Min Khin welcomed the participants to this meeting.
He also thanked the Muslim World League for hold-
ing this seminar. He further expressed his hope that
the seminar would achieve the goals for which it has
been held.
On behalf of the participants, His Excellency the
President of the Muslim Association of Cambodia
Mohamed Marwan thanked the government of the
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman
Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud for his continued support
of Muslims around the world. He also thanked the
Muslim World League for holding this important
seminar. This event has been seen by Muslim’s states
in the Indochina Peninsula as a contributing factor
in building bridges of peaceful coexistence between
the various groups.
In his speech, His Excellency the Secretary-Gen-
eral of the Muslim World League Dr. Abdullah Bin
Abdelmohsin Al Turki has stressed the keenness of
the Rabita to promote a culture of peace and toler-
ance. He said constructive dialogue as a tool of un-
derstanding between the various components of the
society must be encouraged.
During the seminar sessions, participants dis-
cussed the theme of the symposium through the fol-
lowing topics:
• Peace and Tolerance in Islam… Approach and
Message
• Muslims and Tolerance …Views and Purposes
• The need of societies for Peace and Tolerance ...
Hope and Reality
They proposed a number of recommendations:
First: the Message of Peace and Tolerance in Is-
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lam
The Symposium reviewed the message of peace
and tolerance in Islam by showing the role of Is-
lam in achieving world peace. This has been real-
ized through the promotion of peaceful coexistence
between different groups, and to spread compassion
among people. Furthermore, Islam renounces vio-
lence and extremism in all their forms and manifes-
tations. Islam has given great importance to mean-
ingful dialogue between religions and cultures to
address outstanding problems, and to achieve peace
between all constituents of human societies. To
achieve success, the role of religious and cultural in-
stitutions must be strengthened and supported. The
symposium has highlighted the contributions of the
Muslims in the countries of the Indochinese Penin-
sula (Cambodia Vietnam - Laos). They commended
their efforts in introducing Islam and inviting people
to it. Their contributions to civilization, and their in-
teractions with the peoples of the region are worthy
of all praise. The symposium’s participants called
on them to exert additional efforts and added coop-
eration and coordination in new issues. They have
invited them to take combined positions that would
preserve them their religion, maintain their brother-
hood, and keep them together. They must continue
their march in spreading Islam’s message of toler-
ance, and promote security, justice and peace.
The symposium recommended the following:
The symposium recommends the establishment of a
Muslim World League’s regional office in the Indo-
china Peninsula States, in cooperation with the Mus-
lim Association in Cambodia.
• Religious education and the development of
curricula that would focus on Islam’s moderation,
and warn of excessiveness. Attention should be giv-
en to the establishment of Islamic schools and insti-
tutes to meet the educational needs of Muslims, and
provides them with preachers, Imams and teachers.
Allah said in Sura Al-Baqara, verse 143: “
(And thus we have made you a just community
that you will be witnesses over the people and the
Messenger will be a witness over you)”
- Provide Islamic universities’ scholarships to
Muslim students of the Indochinese Peninsula’s
States. Invite the Association of Islamic Universities
to coordinate with education institutions in this mat-
ter.
- Contribute to the training of imams and preach-
ers and the qualification of teachers, and work on
the validation of the Islamic Da’wa curriculum. The
latter must be closely linked to Islam’s approach
in the call to Allah with wisdom and good advice.
Propagation institutions in the Indochina Peninsula
countries must cooperate in this endeavour with the
Rabita’s training Institute of imams and preachers
- Distribute translations of the Holy Qur’an and
Islamic books that explain the provisions of Islam in
local languages.
Secondly: Muslims and Tolerance...Views and
Purposes
The Symposium praised the contribution of Muslims
living in the countries of the Indochinese Peninsula
for their peaceful coexistence within their societies
and their dedication to ensure their unity. They called
on them to show greater commitment to Islamic val-
ues in dealing with the various cultural components.
They advised them to work together with their com-
patriots in the building process of their common
countries, and to cooperate with them to accomplish
national interests. They were told that cooperation
for the sake of good is an genuine Islamic principle.
Allah said in Sura Al-Maida, verse 2:
“(And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but
do not cooperate in sin and aggression)”
They called on Muslims to spread the values of Is-
lam; hence these embody lofty ideals that strengthen
relationships with others. These have been founded
upon well-established rules of justice, compassion
and charity. Such sublime principles are clearly de-
fined in Sura An-Nahl, verse 90:
“(Indeed, Allah orders justice and good conduct
and giving to relatives and forbids immorality and
bad conduct and oppression. He admonishes you
that perhaps you will be reminded.)
The symposium also emphasized that Islam es-
tablishes relations with others on a number of impor-
tant principles, including:
- We must know that difference between people
is a cosmic phenomenon. However, dialogue is the
means of Da’wa and calling others. Allah has com-
manded people to argue in the best manner. Dialogue
should and must be a tool of persuasion and dealing
with others to overcome differences. Allah states the
following in Sura An-Nah, verse 125 (Nahl: 125).
“(Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and
good instruction, and argue with them in a way that
is best. Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who

9
has strayed from His way, and He is most knowing
of who is [rightly] guided.)”
- The respect of human dignity; the realization of
social justice; and safeguarding human rights, have
constituted the foundations of the correct relation-
ships experienced by Muslims with others in Me-
dina. The Document of Madinah has clearly defined
the frameworks of cooperation to achieve common
interests, and establish justice and charity values and
other values that would achieve co-existence of all,
and guaranty human dignity. Allah says in Sura Al-
Isra, verse 70 the following:
“(And We have certainly honoured the children
of Adam and carried them on the land and sea and
provided for them of the good things and preferred
them over much of what We have created, with [defi-
nite] preference.)”
- Justice and righteousness when dealing with
non-Muslims must be maintained at all time. Allah
says in Sura Al-Mumtahina, verse 8:
“(Allah does not forbid you from those who do
not fight you because of religion and do not expel
you from your homes - from being righteous toward
them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah
loves those who act justly)”
Third: the Societies’ need for Peace and Toler-
ance... Reality and Hope
The Symposium reviewed the element of Mus-
lims’ tolerance in the countries of the Indochinese
Peninsula. They called them to sustain this positive
spirit they have displayed throughout the past cen-
turies in their good dealing and peaceful co-existing
with others. The Symposium demanded the various
constituents of the community to make tireless ef-
forts to promote citizenship rights, and intensify pro-
ductive dialogue among them.
It called for the following:
- Maintain the unity of Muslims in the countries
of the Indochinese Peninsula, and meet the chal-
lenges that destabilize social peace. Furthermore, the
disputes dividing the members of the society must
stop.
- Dialogue is “necessarium necessitate” and must
be promoted by all means. Hence, it will achieve un-
derstanding, cooperation and consolidate common
human values. It will also ensure solidarity for the
sake of protecting national interests of the public,
and to help overcome the difficulties impeding safe
and peaceful coexistence.
- Work on consolidating moral values, encourag-
ing decent social practices. Such efforts will be cou-
pled with the need to cooperate toward addressing
the ethical, environmental and family challenges.
Cooperation leading to sustainable development that
will benefit everyone must be promoted.
- The phenomenon of “Islamophobia” must be
denounced and rejected. It is after all the result of ig-
norance of the true reality of Islam, its cultural crea-
tivity and lofty goals. People must use objectivity
and shun prejudices. They must make the effort to
know Islam through its origins and principles.
- Call on religious and educational institutions to
promote a culture of cooperation and understanding.
They must promote religious values that reinforce
positive coexistence.
The Symposium calls on the Muslim World
League to organize a conference on the peril of sec-
tarianism on the Ummah’s unity.
The Participants expressed their gratitude to the
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman
Bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud; the king of Saudi Arabia;
and His Highness the Crown Prince Muqrin Bin Ab-
dul Aziz Al Saud; and the Crown, Crown Prince Mo-
hammed Bin Nayef bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud. Their
continued support and dedication to the interests of
the Muslims as well as their effort in securing securi-
ty and stability within the human societies is greatly
lauded.
The participants have unanimously supported the
operation “Decisive Storm” launched on behalf of
the GCC Countries. This operation has been led by
the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Sal-
man Bin Abdul-Aziz Al-Saud. They have expressed
joy over the Arab Islamic alliance dictated by the
support of the tyrannized and halting oppression and
aggression.
The participants thanked the Muslin Association
of Cambodia for its cooperation in organizing and
preparing this seminar.
They have expressed thanks and appreciation to
the Government of Cambodia that encouraged hold-
ing this event and lending its support thereof.
All Praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and
peace and blessing upon His Prophet and Messenger
Mohammad.
Issued in Phnom Penh
15 Jumada Al-Akhira 1436 H April 4, 2015

10
In the Japanese capital Tokyo, Muslim scholars from
Saudi Arabia, Japan and other countries met with leaders
of Buddhist followers; Shinto, and Shinto Shrine, and the
Christians in Japan. They have gathered in the quest of
a common vision for peace in the conference “Dialogue
between Muslims and Religious Leaders in Japan” (In
Search of Common Visions). The conference has been
organized by the Muslim World League and the World
Conference of Religions for peace, Japan (WCRP Japan).
The event received support of the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs of Japan. The conference took place on 9 and 10
/ April/ 2015 corresponding to 20-21 Jumada Alakhirah
1436 AH
The participants at the conference discussed ways
how to develop and improve positive coexistence. They
wanted to work together to achieve peace, justice. They
have unanimously rejected the culture of hostility and
hatred among followers of different cultures, religions
and cultures. They vowed to cooperate to consolidate and
instill the noble human values.
They have declared the following:
-Difference is a global phenomenon that does not call for
conflict and discord. The many civilizations and the di-
versity of cultures should be a cause to enrich the human
thought. With dialogue, transition could be made from
conflicts to understanding and cooperation and integra-
tion. A sound and strong partnership in the building of
human civilization must be established, hence; it is with
these efforts; one should strive to realize and maintain
mutual interests.
-The Conference condemns the acts of violence and
killing perpetrated by extremist organizations. They
confirm that these actions do not reflect the teachings of
Islam. The latter calls for mercy and peace and protects
human dignity. It safeguards the sanctity of souls, hon-
our, money and property. Allah says in the Holy Qur’an,
Sura Al-Maida verse 32:
“Whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corrup-
tion [done] in the land - it is as if he had slain mankind
entirely. And whoever saves one - it is as if he had saved
mankind entirely”
He also said in Sura An-Nahl verse 90:
“Indeed, Allah orders justice and good conduct and
giving to relatives and forbids immorality and bad con-
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11
duct and oppression. He admonishes you that perhaps
you will be reminded.”
The fight against terrorism shouldn’t be by waging a
war with Islam, and the promotion of Islamophobia. It
should begin with cooperation with the Islamic countries
and scholars and their institutions. Furthermore, the best
way to fight terrorism is to remove its causes. And the
first step would be to alleviate the suffering of some Mus-
lims through fair and unbiased dealing with their causes.
The world should put an end to the policies of starvation,
siege, destruction and killing targeting some of their peo-
ple. Procrastination in acting to achieve justice and lift-
ing injustice on vulnerable peoples has to stop.
The conference supports the final statement issued by
the Muslim world conference on “Islam and Countering
Terrorism” organized by the Muslim World League in
the period of 3-6 / 5/1436 AH corresponding to 22-25 /
2/2015.
The Conference supports the actions taken by the
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its allies against gangs in
Yemen. It was also in response to the call of their le-
gitimate government, and the protection of the Yemeni
population from the futility of the terrorists and their
crimes.
They called on the Rabita to organize an international
conference to analyse the relationship between sectarian-
ism and terrorism, and its threat to social harmony, and
its impact on world peace.
Religion shouldn’t be a cause of conflicts and acts of
terrorism fueled by political ambitions and selfish inter-
ests. Religious Leaders have stressed the need for glo-
bal justice without favouritism and discrimination. Arms
race and ridding the world of nuclear and biological ar-
senals must come to an end. These represent a serious
threat to humanity. These actions must be implemented
within unified and uniform standards.
The basic message of religions is to refine man’s be-
haviour, to rationalize human life, maintain values and
encourage sublime social practices.
Participants call on the leaders of different faith
groups to support human rights, and to promote respect
for the right of peoples to security, freedom, justice and
welfare. Additional efforts to protect religious and ethnic
minorities must be initiated. The latter must be included
in development and improvement programs in their re-
spective countries. They should be allowed to maintain
their social, religious and cultural identity.
Human beings are equally responsible in honouring
the Creator who made man and favoured him above other
creatures. Such graciousness of Allah is granted regard-
less of race, origin, culture. Therefore, the participants
reject all forms of racial discrimination and the calls of
cultural superiority.
Based upon this honour bestowed on man, humanity
is invited to worship the Creator according to His decree.
They must cooperate in building civilization and improv-
ing its achievements, while preserving the environment.
Earth, this great gift of Allah must be protected from pol-
lution and risks. Its resources must be dispensed fairly in
a way to safeguard the rights of future generations.
The concept of freedom of expression does not justify
the defamation of religions and religious sanctities and
symbols. International institutions and countries have
been invited to criminalize this affront. They must regard
it as a type of incitement to violence and hatred. Hence
it carries a threat to social and international peace. It is a
harbinger of mounting waves of hostility and retaliation;
raising the specter of tensions between various religious
groups.
Initiating dialogue between the various components
of societies is a humanitarian and social necessity. It
must be used to spread coexistence issues between the
followers of religions, civilizations and cultures in media
and educational milieu.
The media must be concerned with spreading the cul-
ture of peace and understanding. Its handling of inves-
tigative journalism must be accurate and objective. The
media must use proper documentation when dealing with
issues of significant impact on human societies. Multi-
media should and must avoid linking terrorism with the
religions of its perpetrators, especially Islam.
Strengthening relations between human societies
should be encouraged. Religious values must be used for
the promotion of world peace, and the establishment of
good values must be a priority. Solidarity in the face of
disaster and dealing with its adverse effects, in addition
to helping poor people, out of their poverty, diseases and
epidemic is a noble undertaking.
The participants expressed thanks and appreciation
to the Muslim World League, the World Conference of
Religions for Peace in Japan for holding this important
conference. They commended Saudi Arabia, led by the
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman Bin
Abdul Aziz Al Saud for its interest in the dialogue of
civilization and its commitment to world peace; the sta-
bility and security for all nations and peoples. They have
also thanked the Government of Japan and the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs for facilitating the organization of this
conference.
Allah is indeed the Guide to the right path.

12
Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Crown
Prince Mohammad bin Naif, dep-
uty premier and minister of inte-
rior, has accused unnamed states
of sponsoring terrorist groups to
target Saudi Arabia and other Arab
countries.
“There are terrorist groups that
are proxies of states and regimes
that use their potentials to under-
mine our security and stability and
our existence,” the prince told a
meeting of the Arab Interior Min-
isters Council in Algiers.
Prince Mohammed said the Is-
lamic State and other terrorist or-
ganizations were attacking Islam
using the name of Islam. “The se-
curity of Arab countries is an inte-
gral part that cannot be alienated,”
he said while reiterating the King-
dom’s support to strengthen Arab
security and stability. “Our previ-
ous efforts to expose the danger of
terrorism in our countries and other
countries were successful in for-
mulating an Arab anti-terror strat-
egy,” he added. “The challenges to
our security are many and require
joint Arab action,” the prince said,
stressing the need for greater efforts
to protect Arab youth from extrem-
ist and misguided organizations.
Prince Mohammed expressed
hope that the conference would
adopt resolutions that enable Arab
countries to effectively combat ter-
rorism and extremism.
Saudi Arabia warns against states
sponsoring terror to target it
MWLJ Desk Report

13
The Operation Decisive Storm against the Houthi
militia is an obligatory duty of those who defend
the Two Holy Mosques as Yemen is a land of Is-
lamic faith and wisdom, said Imam and Khatib at
Makkah’s Grand Mosque in Makkah Sheikh Saud
Al-Shuraim.
“When the forces of the land of the Two Holy
Mosques launched Decisive Storm, their fury was
rooted in wisdom, sagacity and patience,” Sheikh
Shuraim said in the weekly sermon. “The discern-
ing society does not differentiate between internal
and external enemies. Defensive moves against en-
emies are of the most obligatory duties of the rulers
and people. Envious people and hate mongers will
only dispute the steps taken to ensure security. It is
a blessing that a community is spared from a war
and it calls for gratitude to Allah because it is a spe-
cial mercy,” Al-Shuraim said. He added that the Ahl
Al-Sunnah Wal Jamaah (the Muslims) believe in ap-
pointing a leader who takes care of their rights and
protects their religion, and defends them from their
enemies. He said Decisive Storm basically aims to
protect the land of the Two Holy Mosques from the
enemies of Islam and also the people of the country
where the mosques belong. He added that enemies
also aim to destroy the real Islamic belief, values and
sacred symbols. “There are some people who do not
want Decisive Storm to succeed, either because of
their envy or hatred.”
Meanwhile, at the Prophet’s Mosque, Imam and
Khatib Sheikh Abdul Bari Al-Thubaity said that the
strength of Shari’ah is that it is a tool to bring justice,
and not a goal in itself, while it boosts the pillars of
peace. “Decisive Storm is an expression of the hopes
of Yemenis and was launched in response to their re-
quest for help,” Al-Thubaity said in his sermon. The
Imam added that history has shown that decisive-
ness is the mark of unique leaders especially against
a treacherous people. He pointed out that within the
decision to launch Decisive Storm as an operation to
support the principles of Islam and justice in Yem-
en. Arab leaders are following the model of the last
Prophet (peace be upon him), who demolished the
Mosque of Sedition, which served as a den for the
plotters against Islam.
The Sheikh also lauded the decisiveness dis-
played by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King
Salman in launching Decisive Storm to support Is-
lam and elevate the word of the Muslims, and to es-
tablish the rights of the Muslims in Yemen when a
group of people started spreading bidaa (prohibited
innovations in religious matters) and undertaking
misleading acts by rebelling against their ruler and
killing people, and destroying mosques and homes
under false slogans.
Holy Haram Imam:
Yemen
operation
‘protects holy
land from foes
of Islam’
MWLJ Desk Report

14
As early as 28 April 2014, Rime Altaf, Advisor to the
President of the National Coalition of Syrian Revolu-
tion and Opposition Forces, said, three years of strug-
gle, things are not going to change – horrific sides of
battle – it is exactly what happened in other areas of
the Middle East – brutal injustice by the regime.
In March 2011 the protests turned into things es-
calated. First month of the struggle, the protests were
peaceful. But gradually it became violent, hostile.
People were running away for their lives from oppres-
sion, persecution and torture. Now it is nearly four
years. No solution is in sight. But refugees from Syria
have flooded the neighbouring countries. There was a
meeting on Migration from Developing and Conflict
Region into Europe where Mr.Andrej Mahecic, senior
External Relations Officer, UNHCR-UK spoke on the
situation of Refugees from Syria into the neighbour-
ing countries and Europe.
Earlier in 2013, UN High Commissioner for Refu-
gees urged European Countries to do more for Syrian
refugees.
UN’s High Commissioner for Refugees urges Eu-
rope to do more for Syrian asylum-seekers
UN High Commissioner for Refugees Antonio Gu-
terres expressed concern about serious gaps in the
protection of Syrians arriving in Europe and urged
a more generous and consistent approach to Syrians
seeking shelter and asylum in Europe, reported on 18
July 2013.
Noting that just two European countries – Ger-
many and Sweden – had received nearly two-thirds
of the Syrian seeking protection in the entire Europan
Union, Guterres urged more countries to help Syria’s
neighbours shoulder the burden and to offer asylum or
resettlement.
Guterres proposed five key steps that the European
Union should take:
i) “Firstly, ensuring access to territory and swift
and fair asylum procedures for those seeking protec-
Syrian Refugees and the
International Community
Dr. Mozammel Haque
Consultant & Columnist
The Muslim Weekly, London

15
tion, notwithstanding the ongoing efforts to improve
border control at sensitive external EU frontiers.
ii) “Second, a more consistent and generous ap-
proach to protection is needed, particularly as con-
cerns the recognition rates and the forms of protec-
tion that are being awarded to Syrian claimants. As
the conflict is unlikely to end soon, UNHCR hopes
to see protection rates increasing across Europe and
in particular the granting of refugee status with its as-
sociated rights.”
iii) The High Commissioner also called for more
flexibility in the use of existing measures. “This in-
cludes helping to reunite family members already in
Europe by flexibly applying the Dublin Regulation
[which determines the European state responsible to
examine an asylum application within Europe until
a decision has been made]; dispensing with visas re-
quirements; and facilitating the entry of Syrians for
work, study, family or humanitarian purposes.”
iv) Guterres encouraged EU states to establish
strict limits and safeguards on the use of detention, ex-
plore alternatives to detention and do more to improve
the conditions for asylum seekers who are awaiting
decisions on their protection claims. “And finally,”
he said, “the EU must engage in more burden-sharing
initiatives so as to help mitigate the crushing impact
which the refugee crisis is having on Syria’s immedi-
ate neighbours.”
He thanked Germany for offering humanitarian ad-
mission to 5,000 Syrian, as well as other states offer-
ing resettlement. “I hope to see others come forward
with more offers of humanitarian admission or reset-
tlement as the situation evolves.” He said this and it
was reported in Vilnius, Lithuania.
Refugees from Syria
The Syrian situation is the most dramatic humanitar-
ian crisis the world has faced in a very long time. Syr-
ians are now the largest refugee population under UN-
HCR’s mandate. The consequences of this massive
outflow for the neighbouring countries –Lebanon,
Jordan, Turkey, Iraq and Egypt- are enormous. Econo-
mies, public services, the social fabric of communities
and the welfare of families are all heavily affected, not
to mention the security impact of the Syria conflict in
the whole region.
The contribution of the host countries in protecting
refugees is so fundamental that it makes them by far
the largest humanitarian donors in the Syrian context.
And yet, while international support to match their ef-
forts has been remarkable, it is clearly not in propor-
tion with the immense needs created by this crisis.
Since the beginning of the conflict in Syria, almost
half of all Syrians have been forced to leave their home
and flee for their lives in search of safety. Now nearly
one million displaced Syrian’s and Iraqi’s are in need
of winter aid to survive the coming months.
Some 800,000 people, many who fled their homes
in horror with just the clothes on their backs, are in
need of shelter assistance, while 940,000 lack basic
winter household items.
Many families are living in makeshift shelters and
damaged or incomplete buildings, doing their best to
survive in incredibly harsh conditions. Old people and
children are particularly vulnerable.
UNHCR is working around the clock with other
agencies and aid groups providing urgently needed
relief.
Andrej Mahecic, Senior External Relations
Officer, UNHCR-UK
Mr. Andrej Mahecic, Senior External Relations Offic-
er, UNHCR-UK spoke at great length on the refugee
situation in the neighbouring countries and Europe at a
meeting on “Migration from Developing and Conflict
regions to Europe,” organised and held at IISS, on 24
November, 2014. At the meeting, Mr. Vineenzo Ce-
leste, Deputy Head, Italian Embassy in London also
spoke. It was chaired by Lord Michael Williams.
Mr. Andrej Mahecic said, “I will speak more of the
humanitarian aspects. Why such a record number of
people; we are looking at historically record levels of
displacement. More than 51.2 million people in the
world today in the situation of forced displacement.
The reason why we are at this level; the reasons why
these levels are at their highest in the in the post-World
War II era. Record- 5.2 million – refugees – internal
displaced people- including asylum – why it is the
highest?”
“Why the conflict in Syria and other conflicts in the
area has been one of the main drivers,” Mr. Mahecic
said and added, “the inability of the international com-
munity to bring all conflicts to an end. We have seen
so far this year more than 190,000 people ending the
journey across Mediterranean, not all of them to leave;
vast majority number 160,000 people come through
Turkey, Spain Malta but it Spain and Greece.”
UNHCR Officer also mentioned, “It needs to be
said also, of the 51.2 million displaced people, 86%
have been hosted by the developing nations. I have

16
to compare this to the situation a decade ago, where
this imbalance was not so obvious, at point 70% of all
displacement people were in the developing countries.
Speaking of the situation now being most dramatic in-
ternal crisis in decades; 30% in the Europe.”
UNHCR Officer also said, Syria –it is the largest
refugee groups in 2 and half years. “The Crisis in Syria
now is the largest refugee group global under the UN-
HCR. Three and a half largest refugees groups,” he
said and comparing with Afghanistan, he mentioned,
“Afghanistan who held it for the sad 33 years.”
Syrians are now living as refugees – the largest
group. The consequences of this outflow for the neigh-
bouring countries “are enormous economic services
and communities and lot of problems heavily affected,
not to mention the security impact of the Syrian con-
flict,” said Mahecic and added, “Lebanon and Jordan
have witnessed the dramatic population as a result of
Syrian conflict.” These are public services, finances
services, population pressures are most vulnerable.
In Turkey –“Turkish government has already spent
4 billion dollars – more than a million of Syrian refu-
gees on their soil,” mentioned UNHCR Officer.
The situation in Syria
“The fall out of the Syrian conflict – Iraq, this has now
been entirely engulfed by Syrian conflict. It is now
fairly difficult to estimate. Can be encapsulated into
three words: i) Deaths, ii) Destruction and iii) Dis-
placement.
9.6 million of the country’s pre-war population of
about 21 million about 3.2 million are now living as
refugees in the neighbouring countries. Another 6.4
million are displaced even remained 190,000 num-
bers of Syrian families are in a very shocking state,
exhausted and scarred
While giving the picture inside Syria, UNHCR Of-
ficer mentioned, “Syrian is now have done this or join
this as a last resort. They can no longer sustain basic
services; the prices of things have gone up and in many
places. Many of them have been displaced 3 out of 4
remaining in Syria; the country now living in poverty;
and Syrian human development have regressed by 40
years since the conflict erupted.”
“They faced risks and threats. They are the one ac-
tually enable many of the organisations and charities
to be able to people and to deliver urgently needed
humanitarian aid. For example, this year launch of the
food has been provided to more than 4.1 million Syr-
ians; out of targeted group of 4.2 million; the health
has been delivered to 6.5 million direct beneficiaries.
2.9 million Vaccinated against polio. However, what-
ever has been done humanitarian quite inside Syria
falls well what needs are,” he mentioned.
Speaking about the UN Appeal, Mr. Mahecic men-
tioned, “Let me remind you UN appeal which has
been the largest in the organisation funded 51% al-
most 80/90% ; almost 11 million Syrians living in the
country needed urgent assistance of This number is
just the winter we at least 3 million needed urgent as-
sistance.”
Speaking about deaths, destruction inside Syria,
UNHCR Officer maintained, “Every town village in-
side Syria is either being affected by conflict or pop-
ulation that is being traumatized. It is estimated that
more than 400,000 homes have been destroyed; 7.2
million damages someway; 5500 schools destroyed;
3800 mosques damaged or destroyed; most of flower
beds. Prisons no longer operating; hospitals offer no
sanctuary of healing; 60% of ambulance damaged;
60% ambulances in the country; more than 15,000
doctors have left the country. Now you can only im-
agine what kind of impact this might have for those
who have stayed behind and what kind of services
they take.”
Lebanon suffers
Talking about the Syrian refugees in Lebanon and its
consequences, Mr. Mahecic said, “Lebanon has suf-
fered far long consequences as a result of conflict in
Syria because the country’s long-standing and deep
rooted historical, economic and social ties. The coun-
try currently hosts more than 1.2 million registered
refugees – 25%. The impact of the Syrian during con-
flict in Lebanon security and stability far exceeds gulf
of persistence. Latest assessment by the World Bank
estimated the total cost of the Lebanon throughout the
end of this year which reached 7.5 billion dollars, nei-
ther includes the Syrian unemployment nor the demo-
graphic and political pressure exerted on the country’s
stability. Unprecedented scale and complexity crisis
requires more comprehensive address.”
In Jordan
Next comes the neighbouring country Jordan, Speak-
ing about refugees in Jordan, Mr. Mahecic said, “The
influx of refugees in Jordan reached a critical level re-
quiring a target level response to address not only hu-
manitarian needs but also the longer term consequenc-
es of the crisis. The country currently hosts more than

1717
680,000. These people are mostly in urban areas. Lot
of foods have seen around the world of the camps in
Jordan. But these needs to be understood; this is a tip
on the iceberg and overall in the region only about
20% of the Syrian refugees are being hosted provided
in the camps, vast vast majority in Jordan families and
communities are hosting; vulnerable Syrian refugees
also faced significant challenges as does the Jordanian
government. Meeting these challenges, of course, de-
pends on from the international Syrian conflict. Many
are living with their friends.”
In Iraq
Mentioning about Iraq, UNHCR Officer said, In Iraq,
as a result of fall out of Syrian conflict; it has now
become entirely government to the extent that is re-
ally really difficult. Syrian refugees are already in the
Kurdistan region more than Iraq; 1.9 million Iraqis
have been internally displaced. The country is recov-
ering from a ten-year civil war. “We are now back into
the situation of massive displacement inside Iraq let
not forgetting at least – 180,000 Iraqi refugees many
of them also in Syria. The big of the Iraqi crisis,” men-
tioned Mr. Mahecic.
Turkey
Referring about refugees in Turkey; UNHCR Officer
said, “Turkey, according to the Turkish government 4
billion dollars have been invested so far in care and
maintenance sections for Syrians. The free support is
necessary particularly financial assistance for those
refuges as well for settlers, education and health, will-
ing and generous host Turkey should not continue to
bear the great proportion of the burden. Recent evi-
dence shows any deterioration of the security situation
inside Syria will result in Turkey receiving significant
number of refugees, food and accommodation topped
up this support increasing example of virtually weak-
ened.”
It demands saving life
Mr. Mahecic UNHCR Officer appealed to the inter-
national community to do more to help the Syrian
refugees. He said, “We have been urging international
community to do more because of the dramatic situa-
tion as Europe have seen borders; France overall ob-
jective of saving lives. First of all it is to:
“i) strengthen the rescue sea operation; it is to
ensure the longest tradition of sea help maintaining
a stronger search and rescue operations in the Medi-
terranean including women with support with the EU
and other members;
“ii) Europe needs to increase legal alternatives;
such dangerous crossings; if you have the chance to
read some of the testimonies the way they made the
crossings; these involve and now in a situation protec-
tion in the region is no longer the neighbouring coun-
tries situated that extent many of them are now biggest
threat to the situation.
“ iii) Protection in the region is no longer avail-
able; the neighbouring countries are saturated to that
extent that many of them. The protection capacity in
the region is diminishing. This is the biggest threat
to situation in Egypt; not capable of taking manag-
ing the borders. The protection capacity in the region
is diminishing. The situation in Egypt deteriorates the
Syrians; immense the change in the regime; and then
add what has happened in Libya and how the collapse
of law & order in Libya has further complicated to the
refugees and the people who might have stayed if the
situation
“Europe needs the legal alternative to such danger-
ous crossings this includes the increasing settlement;
humanitarian mission programmes; access to humani-
tarian visa population you needs who are now resort-
ing to RSD States can also facilitate family unification
many of those coming by sea seeking to re-unite with
their family in Europe and use private sponsorship
scheme in addition the states could use programmes
such as employment visas; there is something pro-
foundly wrong where the people who are fleeing from
one of the deadliest and worst conflicts in recent his-
tory.
No other alternative to reach safety to Europe. The
third key issues which we have been asking to do and
the right wide region,” said Mr. Mahecic.
iv) Provide asylum and the solution that we need of
protection; many of those arriving, fled their homes as
they say from conflict and violence from humanitarian
needs protection. State should provide adequate pro-
tection facilities, adequate reception conditions based
on access to asylum seekers; needs to be robust sys-
tem provider that can identify those who needs pro-
tection and satisfy the legitimate interest of the state
to maintain border security and at the same time be
able to identify those who are in need of international
protection.
Initial reception facilities and assistance as well as
identifying durable solution potentially with EU sup-
port.”

18
Two bouts of anti-Muslim violence erupted in Arakan
State in the month of June and October in 2012
resulting in the death of several hundred Muslims
including women and children. The attacks have been
pre-planned, well orchestrated and carried out with
the intention of triggering mass exodus of Muslims
from their homes in Arakan. Several NGOs, Human
Rights organizations, UN agencies had documented
involvement of State security apparatus in killing
the Muslims and abetting the crimes committed by
Rakhine vigilantes. Since the onset of anti-Muslim
violence in June 2012 several thousand Rohingyas
have been forced to live in Internally Displace Persons
(IDP) camps. Most of the IDP camps are located
around Sittwe (Akyab), the capital city of Arakan State
and other townships in north Arakan. About 200,000
Rohingya are forced to leave their homes and take
shelter in IDP camps according to Fortify Rights, a
Thailand based human rights organization. At least
36,000 additional Rohingya are isolated in remote
villages surrounded by hostile Rakhine communities,
which block Rohingya access to humanitarian aid
agencies and adequate means of subsistence according
to Fortifiy Rights. Fortify Rights has also stated
that tens of thousands more have fled by sea to seek
asylum in Malaysia, Thailand and other destinations
confronting serious risk at sea and potential abuse by
hostile authorities and human traffickers.
Situation of the Muslims in Muslim majority areas
Following the outbreak of violence in 2012 authorities
carried out mass arrest and transfer them to unknown
destinations. Many people are tortured and long prison
sentences have been awarded to them. Extrajudicial
killings have been carried out with impunity. There
are reports of dumping dead bodies in mass graves.
Human rights organizations have found evidences of
mass graves in at least 4 places including outside Ba
Du Baw IDP camp in Thetkaybyin in Akyab where
three truck loads of dead bodies were dumped in the
mass grave and Yanthei village in Mrauk U. Confirmed
reports indicate that more than 70 persons have been
killed in Mrauk U and they have been unceremoniously
dumped in mass graves. Security forces and Rakhine
vigilantesroutinelyenterintothehousesoftheMuslims
with various excuses. Most of male inmates flee before
the arrival of the security forces. Only women and
children remain in the houses. The security forces
and Rakhine vigilantes indulge in rape of women
and loot the properties at their sweet will. During the
village raids many people are subjected to random
killing, severe beatings arrest and torture. Mosques
and religious schools are under lock and key since the
outbreak of violence in 2012. Muslims cannot perform
Situation of Muslims
in Arakan and Burma
after 2012 violence
Dr. Mohammed Ali
Deputy Director General - Humanitarian
Assistance Department Arakan Rohingya
Union

19
congregational prayer and those who secretly pray in
their houses are heavily punished if found. Several
mosques which were partially destroyed during riots
have been uprooted and removed by the authorities
saying that it does not look good.
Anti-Muslim riot spread to other part of Burma
With a view to diluting the sympathy on Rohingya
by the international community, the Rakhine leaders,
Buddhist monks of Arakan and ultranationalist
Buddhist monks of Burma, Wirathu, with full complicit
of the regime gave the picture of on-going violence as
eruption of anti-Muslim sentiment throughout Burma
by extending attacks in other parts of Burma. But the
actual intention is to ethnically cleanse the Muslims of
Arakan.
As a result of the plan anti-Muslim riot broke out
in central Burmese town of Meikhtila where more than
100 persons were killed and many of them burned
alive. Muslim shops, houses and mosques were put on
flames. The radical Buddhist movement “969” played
a crucial role in organizing Buddhist mobs.
On April 30, 2013 anti-Muslim violence broke
out in the town of Okkan, north of Yangon. Several
persons were killed and houses, mosques and shops
were burned down.
A few days later on the night of May 2 several
houses and shops belonging to Muslims have been
destroyed in the mining town of Hpakant in north
Kachin State.
On May 28 anti-Muslim riot broke out in the north-
eastern town of Lashio, in Shan State. A few Muslims
got killed and several shops, houses and mosques have
been destroyed.
The riot again broke out in restive Arakan State,
this time in the southern city of Sandoway where
substantial number of Muslims live. The riot started
with the killing of a 93-year old Muslim lady. Several
other people were chased from their homes and
killed. Several homes, shops and mosques have been
destroyed.
On 24 August anti-Muslim riot erupted in the town
of Kanblu in Sagaing region in upper Burma by several
hundred strong mobs. Dozens of houses, mosques and
shops were looted and burned.
In the beginning of 2014, from January 13 Burmese
security forces, and Rakhine vigilantes carried out a
five-day raid in the village of Du Chiratan (kiladong)
withtheexcuseoffindingpersonswhowereresponsible
for abducting a police officer. In fact the operation was
carried out as these persons exposed the gruesome
murder of 8 Rohingya from Kyauktaw township and
dumping them in mass grave who were travelling by
the side of a Rakhine settlers village towards the coastal
town of Alaythangyaw with the intention of going to
Malaysia by boat. At least 100 people have been killed
in the 5-day assault including women and children.
MSF was penalized by the regime as it reported that it
has treated about 23 injured persons from Duchiratan.
Dead and mutilated bodies have been removed and
buried in mass graves.
Situation of Internally Displaced Peoples (IDP)
Camps
More than 200,000 people had been internally
displaced and about 150,000 are living in several IDP
camps erected by the authorities with the help of UN
agencies. The inmates of the IDP camps rely solely
on the Aid provided by the international community
for their survival. The IDP camps are encircled by
barbed wire fencing and guarded by security forces.
No one can go outside the camp in search of food or
work. Some people who ventured to nearby stream to
catch fish near an IDP camp had been shot dead by the
security forces.
ThegovernmentattemptedtocutoffaidtotheseIDP
camps using Rakhine extremists and Buddhist monks.
Government instigated protests have been launched
against the delivery of humanitarian aid to Rohingya in
emergency conditions. There are extremely inadequate
provisions of food, clean drinking water and healthcare
services in these IDP camps. Emergency cases like
delivery and other cases are not allowed to be admitted
in government hospitals as a result of which many
lives have been lost unnecessarily. In the city of Akyab
Rakhine mobs carried out massive assault on NGO
offices destroying many offices, warehouses and food
stocks. As a result almost all of them evacuated to
Rangoon. MSF was banned to carry out its activities
in Rakhine State.
A MSF press statement noted that due to fear staff
have as a result of sustained intimidation and threats
against MSF workers by some members of Rakhine
community, doctors and other essential personnel are
too scared to work in Rakhine state, and thus MSF
faces a shortage of staff, a gap that is still not being
filled by the government or other organizations.
Rakhine State authorities or the Central government
have taken no steps to repatriate them to their
own residence of origin. It is a sign of permanent

20
segregation of Rohingya to morally frustrate them to
compel them ultimately to leave Arakan. Presidential
spokesperson Ye Htut clearly indicated that they will
never be allowed to return to their former villages and
Rakhine leaders told the government clearly that they
will never accept them in their former places.
As 2015 election is drawing near SPDC government
is playing politics with the Rohingya.Alaw was passed
by the parliament that the “White Card” holders,
meaning Temporary Cards, would be allowed to vote
in the 2015 election. However in the face of fierce
opposition from Rakhine groups threatening election
boycott, President Thein Sein withdrew the law passed
by the parliament, instead made a statement asking
white card holder to deposit all white cards in the
month of March effectively barring them to take part
in the election.
While the government of Myanmar, some UN
agencies and some of the international community
continue to label the violence as communal and
sectarian, the body of evidence collected from human
rights organizations shows that the State and its security
forces played a vital role in the physical destruction
of the Rohingya people, properties and communities
during and after 2012 violence against Rohingya.
Forced Bengalization
Attempts to Bengalize the Rohingya have recurred
several times even before the census of Burma in 2014.
Burma census 2014 was held with the assistance of
UNFP. The authorities agree to allow everyone to self
identify in the registration. However Rohingyas have
been denied to self identify, instead the authorities
insist Rohingya must identify as “Bengali” which was
rejected by 99% of the Rohingya. In the IDP camps
of Myebon and Pauktaw ethnic Kaman Muslims were
persuaded to identify as Bengali with the promise that
they will be provided with red cards like other nationals
of Burma. However after being registered as Bengali
only a few of them were provided “Red Cards” and all
the rest were given “Green Cards “ meaning they are
guest citizens. However no one was allowed to leave
the IDP camps and return to their former homes. After
the period of census counting is over the authorities
threaten the Rohingya with dire consequences if they
continue to reject registering as Bengali. The minister
of Immigration Mr. Khin Yi said he will send all
people who reject to register as “Bengali” to detention
centers where they will be detained for ever. There are
reports that victims are tortured and beaten until they
sign papers indicating they are Bengali. In an incident
that happened between June 20 – 23 in 2013, 34 people
were forcibly registered as Bengali in a village near the
town of Maungdaw.
Solution to the problems of on-going violence
against Rohingya
The on-going anti-Muslim violence is the culmination
of a series of well planned and well calculated designs
to ethnically cleanse Arakan of its Muslim population.
Since the military takeover in 1962, followed by one
party socialist government and now quasi military
regime, Rohingya have been openly labeled as Bengali
illegal immigrants. The regime carried out a huge
ethnic cleansing operation in 1978 in the name of
“King Dragon” operation which forced nearly 300,000
Rohingya to flee across the border into Bangladesh.
However, the regime was forced to accept back the
refugeesundersevereinternationalpressure.Following
the return of the refugees, the regime enacted a new
citizenship law in 1982 declaring the Rohingya non-
nationals which means they are either foreigners or
“stateless” people. Drastic steps had been taken against
the Rohingya following 1982 citizenship law. In 1992,
again, another Rohingya crackdown operation had
been carried out driving out over 250,000 Rohingya
to Bangladesh. This time as well, under international
pressure the regime accepted back the refugees only to
continue draconian measures against them resulting in
a bee-line of exodus out of Arakan.
The latest violence against the Rohingya since 2012
gave rise to a huge humanitarian disaster and political
limbo for the Rohingya who are already passing
their lives in a precarious situation. The international
community was caught off-guarded as they hoped
Burma was returning to democracy. The fallout of the
latest episode is huge. 200,000 people are internally
displaced of which about 150,000 herded into IDP
camps and more than 150,000 have left the country
since the violence erupted to destinations like Malaysia
and Thailand and Bangladesh to search for a better life,
but facing serious challenges.
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
under the dynamic leadership of former Secretary
general, H.E. Dr. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu took prompt
measures to tackle the issue. The OIC sent several fact
finding missions to Burma and Arakan to assess the
situation. It has proposed Burma to open a humanitarian
office atAkyab, capital ofArakan State, which will only
concentrate on distribution of humanitarian assistance.

21
It also proposed to build hospitals and undertake
economic development projects for the people of
Arakan, both Muslims and Non-Muslims. Following
the 2012 mass massacre at the initiative of the OIC
a summit conference was convened by Late King
Abdullah. The summit conference decided to form a
12-member Rohingya contact group which is tasked to
undertake necessary diplomatic initiative to deal with
Burmese government towards finding a comprehensive
solution. The king also donated US $ 50, million for
Rohingya cause. The OIC contact group’s first meeting
was held at OIC Headquarters in Jeddah. In both the
occasions, in the summit conference and contact group
meeting, Dr. Wakar Uddin, Director General of Arakan
Rohingya Union participated where he explained the
situation prevailing in Arakan and the steps to be
taken. The OIC has formally raised the Rohingya
issue at UN through the contact group members. The
OIC has also appointed a special envoy for Burma to
deal with Burmese government. Finally, the Secretary
General of OIC, Dr. Ekmeleddin personally visited
Arakan to talk with Burmese officials and see for
himself the situation of Rohingyas in IDP camps. The
OIC Secretary General also paid a number visits to
friendly countries including China towards finding a
diplomatic solution to the crisis.
The United Nations has sent several fact finding
missions and including former special human rights
envoy Thomas Ojea Quintana, present human rights
envoy Ms Yanghee Lee and UN humanitarian Chief
Valery Amos to assess the Arakan crisis and give
their recommendations. In the UN General assembly
2 successive resolutions have been passed to restore
the citizenship and ethnic rights of the Rohingya. UN
Secretary General Bankimoon personally urged the
Burmese government to restore the citizenship rights
of the Rohingya.
President Obama in his two historic visits to Burma
mentioned about Rohingya problem by name and
urged the Burmese government to respect the rights
of Rohingya. The US congress passed Resolution
418 urging Burma to restore inalienable rights of the
Rohingya and stop on-going violence.
European Union member states, Burma’s
neighboring countries and ASEAN countries also paid
visits to Burma urging her to solve the issue.
It has been observed that the OIC delegations and
UN delegations have been vehemently confronted by
mobs during their visits holding placards like “No
OIC” and “No UN”. It appears that everything fell in
the deaf ears of the Burmese regime. The Burmese
regime has backed out from earlier promises made to
OIC and not taken up any proposal of OIC.
In this backdrop to comprehend for finding an
honourable solution is really an uphill task. However
sustained pressure on the Burmese regime may force
them to change their attitude and ultimately it is hoped
that the Burmese regime cannot get away with the
crimes committed on Rohingya people and come up
with a solution.
TheOICmemberStates,ASEANmembercountries,
US and European countries and UN agencies should
undertake short-term and Long-term plans with a view
to ultimately finding a solution.
The Short-term Plan should be:
• to invigorate humanitarian assistance to IDPs and
other isolated Rohingyas encircled by Rakhine
Buddhists through all possible ways and means;
• to put an end to impunity of persecution and stop
all violence and human rights violations against
Rohingya people;
• to stop exodus of Rohingya people by pressurizing
Burma to abandon this unofficial policy;
• to lift restrictions on movement, marriage,
education, religious practices, and to permit
mosques and religious schools to re-open and
function normally;
• to bring and deploy a neutral police force involving
non-communal ethnic groups in north Arakan to
maintain law and order;
• to allow Rohingya in IDP camps to return to their
former places of residence and
• to allow the Rohingya people to pass normal
lives with their occupation without imposing
discriminatory black laws.
Long-term Plan should include:
• Restoration of citizenship and ethnic rights of the
Rohingya;
• Restoration of inter-communal harmony through
a real process of reconciliation;
• Economic development of Arakan benefitting
both the sister communities of Arakan and
• Repatriation of Rohingya refugees who are living
in exile in various countries including Bangladesh,
India, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Kingdom
of Saudi Arabia.

22
India and the UNSC seat
US President Barack Obama during his visit to
India, apart from formally sealing the civil nuclear
technology deal also reiterated US support for a per-
manent seat for India in the UN Security Council; a
claim which is also supported by other permanent
members of the SC except China which so far has
remained non-committal on the issue.
India, Germany, Japan and Brazil known as P-4
have been staking their claim for permanent seats
for themselves since 1992 supporting the process of
reforms in the UNSC that aims for the expansion in
the permanent as well as non-permanent members to
give the Council a more representative status.
As against this a group known as Uniting for
Consensus (UfC) which includes Pakistan, Italy,
Mexico, South Korea, Argentina and Colombia want
expansion only in the non-permanent members of
the Security Council.
The existing permanent members of the SC sup-
port the position of the P-4.
Apart from this the African and Arab nations also
want their representation on the Council.
There are also other nagging issues that need to be
firmed up before a process of reforms in the UNSC
could be formally initiated.
These issues include determination of the catego-
ries of the membership, question of the veto power
held by the permanent members, regional represen-
tation, the size of the enlarged Council and its work-
ing methods and the relationship between SC and
General Assembly after the reforms.
It is pertinent to note that any reforms to be car-
ried out require the support of the two-third majority
of the UN members and all the permanent members
of the SC.
That explains why no reforms have been made
in the UN Security Council since 1965 when the
number of non-permanent members was increased
from six to ten.
Until and unless the concerns and demands of
the various groups are not addressed and consensus
evolved on likely reforms, which in view of the con-
Malik Muhammad Ashraf

23
flicting position taken by different groups, the dream
of the P-4 to become permanent members of the SC
would remain as elusive as ever.
China’s reluctance to support India on the issue
could also delay the matter indefinitely because it does
not approve of India’s support for Japan on the issue.
Actually the real sticking point is the veto power
enjoyed by the permanent members.
Those who are opposed to the increase in the
number of permanent members including Pakistan
believe that adding more permanent members to the
SC with veto power would further make the UN in-
effective in resolving the major issues of global con-
cern like in the past.
These apprehensions and fears are not without
substance.
During the cold war the SC failed to adopt any
consensus resolution on Warsaw Pact, Invasion of
former Czechoslovakia, the Vietnam War and Soviet
Invasion of Afghanistan.
The Palestine and Kashmir issues, which are a
potential threat to regional and global peace have
also remained unresolved due to the veto power en-
joyed by the permanent members.
The SC has also failed in a number of cases to
get its own resolutions implemented though it has
the powers under the present UN charter even to use
military muscle to have them implemented.
This inability of the SC to have its resolutions
implemented has been a victim of the veto power
enjoyed by the permanent members.
The permanent members enjoy the right of veto
in the selection of UN Secretary General which gives
the P-5 great influence and clout in world affairs.
A majority of UN members are not happy and
satisfied with the way the UN and its Security Coun-
cil have been functioning.
Pakistan’s opposition to the P-4 position, espe-
cially the permanent seat for India, is absolutely jus-
tified not only for foregoing reasons but also for the
fact that India does not qualify for claiming a perma-
nent seat of the UNSC as it does not even fit into the
criteria spelled out by the Bureau of Public Affairs of
the US which reads, “The US is open to UN Security
Council reform and expansion, as one element of an
overall agenda for UN reform.
We advocate a criteria-based approach under
which potential members must be supremely well
qualified based on factors such as: economic size,
population, military capacity, commitment to de-
mocracy, human rights, financial contribution to the
UN, contribution to UN peacekeeping and record on
counter-terrorism and nonproliferation.
We have to look of course, at the overall geo-
graphic balance of the Council, but effectiveness re-
mains the benchmark for any reform.”
India does not have an enviable record on human
rights.
According to the reports compiled by interna-
tional human rights organizations, during the last
24 years the Indian security forces in Kashmir have
killed nearly 94 thousand Kashmiris, raped more
than ten thousand women and killed more than sev-
en thousand persons while in custody.
The Samjhota Express tragedy which was planned
and executed by the Indian intelligence agents also
speaks volumes about the human rights record of In-
dia.
The present Indian Prime Minister is a known
and avowed practitioner of communal politics with
strong anti-Muslim bias.
On top of this, India is guilty of defying 23 UN
resolutions on Kashmir calling for a plebiscite to set-
tle the issue of accession.
How could a country with such a dismal and des-
picable record on human rights and having shown
disrespect for the UN resolution be a member of the
UNSC and expected to promote global peace, which
is the main function of the Council? India is in fact a
threat to regional and global peace .
The Indian claim also pales into nothingness on
the basis of geographical balance criteria.
There are two members of the UNSC from Asia.
As is evident India does not fit into the criteria
enunciated for the membership of the UNSC, by the
US itself.
Pakistan and India are both nuclear powers who
have fought three wars over Kashmir and until and
unless this tangle is not resolved, Pakistan cannot
trust India becoming the member of the SC and sab-
otage the resolution of the conflict permanently by
using veto power that it would acquire by becoming
the permanent member of the UNSC.
If Obama sees India as US Partner in global se-
curity, his topmost priority should be to persuade the
former to prove its credentials as promoter of world
peace and security by resolving the Kashmir dispute
in conformity with the UN resolutions.
Mere words and expediency-driven rhetoric is
not going to help.

24
It is no secret that Indian authorities and many of the
country’s politicians have long harboured secret and
not-so-secret designs of converting the Muslim ma-
jority of occupied Jammu and Kashmir into a minor-
ity and eroding the state’s Muslim character. For dec-
ades, plans to change Kashmir’s demography and its
religious and ethnic identity have gone hand in hand
with the use of brute force to stamp out the Kashmir
freedom movement and are seen by many Indians as
the ‘final solution’ of the Kashmir problem.
These plans, which were previously kept under
wraps, have come into the open under the BJP gov-
ernment which swept into power in India last May.
A partial glimpse into the party’s intentions was giv-
en in its election manifesto. Besides reiterating its
commitment to abrogate Article 370 of the Indian
constitution, the BJP also promised the return of the
Kashmiri Pandits to the valley and steps to “address
long-pending problems and demands of [Hindu] ref-
ugees from Pakistan Occupied Kashmir”.
Both these groups belong to Jammu and Kashmir
and, on the face of it, there would be nothing objec-
tionable in giving them their due rights. But lurk-
ing behind the seemingly innocuous words of the
manifesto are sinister plans to use them as the fifth
column against the Kashmir people’s struggle to free
themselves from Indian rule.
The BJP’s intentions become clearer from the
party’s campaign strategy for elections to the state
assembly held last November-December and from
the ‘vision document’it released shortly before those
polls. In the Jammu area, the BJP stressed its promise
to end “regional imbalance” in state politics, a code
word for the domination of state politics by the more
populous valley. The party has also made it clear in
its ongoing negotiations with PDP on the formation
of a coalition government that it will stand firm in
the demand for ‘regional balance’.
The BJP’s manifesto for the recently held state
elections also contains three concrete promises de-
signed to tilt the demographic and political balance
in favour of the Hindu population of Jammu and
Kashmir.
First, it promised to reserve three out of the 46
seats allocated to the valley in the 87-member state
assembly for the Kashmiri Pandits. This proposal
might have had some merit if there was a similar res-
ervation of seats for Muslims of the Jammu region in
proportion to their share of the population, but that
of course is out of the question in ‘secular’ India.
Second, the BJP manifesto promised to reserve
five seats for Hindu refugees from “Pakistan Oc-
cupied Kashmir” out of the 24 seats currently kept
vacant by the ‘constitution’ of Occupied Kashmir
for areas under Pakistani administration. That would
bring the total number of seats reserved for Hindus
Designing demography in Kashmir
Asif Ezdi

25
to eight, further reducing if not eliminating the ma-
jority enjoyed so far by the Muslim members in the
state assembly.
Third, the BJP manifesto promised the grant of
“citizenship rights” to “refugees from West Paki-
stan”, including the right to vote in state assembly
and local elections, the right to own immovable
property and the right to take government jobs.
The term ‘West Pakistan refugees’is employed in
India to describe non-Muslims, mainly Hindus, who
migrated from Pakistan to Occupied Kashmir at the
time of Partition in 1947. Most of them, about 90
percent according to some estimates, are Dalits. They
are citizens of India under Indian law and can vote
in elections to the Indian parliament but they are not
‘state subjects’ of Jammu and Kashmir under a law
of the state dating back to 1927 which was designed
to protect the local people from being squeezed out
by outsiders from government jobs and from owner-
ship of land. This law has long been considered sac-
rosanct in order to preserve the precarious ethnic and
religious balance in the state. Because of this law,
the ‘West Pakistan refugees’cannot vote for the state
assembly. Also, they cannot own land in the state or
take jobs in the state government.
There are no reliable figures on the size of the
‘West Pakistan refugee’ population. According to a
local organisation which represents these ‘refugees’,
their number is around 250,000. Pro-azadi groups
put the figure at about 500,000. If they are granted
the rights of state subjects, the ethnic and religious
complexion of occupied Kashmir as well as the po-
litical balance would be further skewed to the disad-
vantage of the Muslim population of the state.
Some Kashmiris have also expressed the fear
that the grant of the status of state subject – or of
permanent resident, which is almost identical – to
the ‘West Pakistan refugees’ is the thin end of the
wedge and would open the door also to those who
have been brought to Kashmir from Indian states
like Bihar, Rajasthan, Punjab, Gujarat, Bengal and
Kerala and settled in the Jammu region under a well-
thought out plan to bring about demographic change
in Jammu and Kashmir and dispossess and disem-
power the Kashmiris.
The BJP’s demand for the grant of state subject
status to “West Pakistan refugees” has now received
a major boost from a committee of the Indian par-
liament. In a report presented on December 22, the
Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs
strongly recommended that ‘West Pakistan refugees’
be granted the status of permanent residents of the
state and of state subjects. The committee also rec-
ommended the allocation of eight seats in the state
assembly to Hindu refugees from Azad Kashmir.
The recommendations of the parliamentary com-
mittee can only take effect if they are approved by
the state assembly of Occupied Kashmir. But pend-
ing that approval, the Indian government issued
executive orders earlier this month to facilitate the
recruitment of ‘West Pakistan refugees’ in the cen-
tral paramilitary forces and in the armed forces and
provide their children a quota of seats in educational
institutions.
The reaction within Occupied Kashmir to these
moves has been sharply divided along regional and
religious lines. In the Muslim-dominated valley, there
has been a wave of uproar against what is seen as a
transparent effort to change the demographic char-
acter and Islamic identity of Jammu and Kashmir. In
sharp contrast, political parties in Hindu-dominated
Jammu have welcomed the recommendations of the
parliamentary committee. Hindu organisations in the
region have also threatened public agitation to push
their demand.
Pressure is also building up in the valley to mobi-
lise the public against giving voting and other rights
to Hindu refugees from Pakistan. Syed Ali Shah
Geelani, the APHC and a number of other political
parties, civil society organisations and Islamic reli-
gious leaders have sharply denounced the move as an
attempt to turn the Muslims of the sate into a minor-
ity. Even the National Conference and the PDP have
tried to distance themselves from these proposals.
As the Mirwaiz has said, by changing the demog-
raphy of Kashmir, India is seeking to create new
facts on the ground in pursuit of its aim of forcible
integration of the state. The Indian moves are in vio-
lation of the international status of Kashmir as dis-
puted territory and of India’s obligations under Se-
curity Council resolutions.
Pakistan must take a clear position on current
events in the occupied state in the context of UNSC
resolutions. But a mere statement will not be enough.
The government must also take up this matter bilat-
erally with India and raise it forcefully in the UN and
other international forums.
(The writer is a former member of the Pakistan For-
eign Service)

26
MWLJ Desk Report
Pakistan Repatriation Council (PRC ) hold an special
meeting in “ Solidarity with Supreme Court for han-
dling petition on stranded Pakistanis”.
It was presided by renowned poet and Vice Pres-
ident of PRC Naseem Sehar from Islamabad, and
chief guest was renowned scholar and ex-diplomat
Dr. Ali al-Ghamdi
In his presidential address Naseem Sehar praised
the supreme court for boldly accepting the petition
of SPGRC (Stranded Pakistanis General Repatria-
tion Committee), Dhaka submitted in 2009 in which
federal government was asked to formally advise
action taken for the repatriation of stranded Paki-
stanis from Bangladesh. We hope that the govern-
ment of prime minister Nawaz Sharif which took
action in his previous tenure for the repatriation
and rehabilitation of Pakistanis from Bangladesh.
He said it is unfortunate that most of our national
leaders remembered Palestine and other issues but
forgot to speak about basic rights of citizenship of
quarter million patriotic Pakistanis languishing in
Bangladesh for over four decades. This is our na-
tional and religious obligation to secure rights of
those people.
He also praised Dr. Ali Al-Ghamdi for highlight-
ing issues of Kashmir and stranded Pakistanis for
PRC expect from supreme court
justice for stranded Pakistanis

27
which all Pakistanis must be thankful to him for
supporting the noble cause.
The chief guest Dr. Ali Al-Ghamdi appreciated
role of PRC in highlighting the plight of quarter
million Pakistanis in Bangladesh. He said that in
1947 those people moved from India to Pakistan’s
eastern wing on the call of Quaide Azam and tried
to their best to save unity and solidarity of Pakistan
along with the army. However due after the surren-
der the army personnel safely returned to Pakistan
but those patriotic Pakistanis suffered heavily by
the Mukti Bahinis and extremist Bengalis and were
forced to move to camps where they have spent
more than 43 years which is very tragic.
He praised the supreme court for accepting
the SPGRC petition which remained pending since
2009. He hoped that now stranded Pakistanis will
earn their long awaited justice and will be finally
settled in Pakistan. He said that prime minister
Nawaz Sharif did repatriate in his past tenure and
took positive action and now Allah has blessed
him to become Prime Minister again so he should
be kind to those people and take urgent measures
settle them in allocated land in Punjab. He quoted
saying of Prophet that Allah bless those rulers who
take care of oppressed people in the society.
He urged Bangladeshi government to extend
basic facility e.g. housing, food, health care, educa-
tion, employment etc. to let them live like human
being while over million Bengalis living peacefully
in Pakistan and enjoying all facilities so they never
demanded repatriation.
Syed Musarrat Khalil of Pakistan Journalists Fo-
rum commended Supreme court’s action on the
petition of SPGRC and hoped that those oppressed
Pakistanis will get their rights who are living like
animals in Bangladeshi camps since 1971.
He said that retired Zulfiqar Cheema writer of
renowned book on Pakistan acknowledged about
rights of stranded Pakistanis to be settled in Paki-
stan is due to persistent loyalty for country. He was
replying to a question raised by me when his book
was opened in Jeddah.
Leader of Pakistan People Community Sham-
suddin Altaf thanked supreme court and said that
ray of hope has generated for the settlement of
stranded Pakistanis. He said that they are more pa-
triotic Pakistanis than us due to their enormous
sacrifices made for the country.
It is unfortunate that for 43 years no govern-
ment took any serious effort for their settlement in
Pakistan although a trust was established in 1988
to assist in this project.
He also asked government to take steps to urge
India for plebiscite in Kashmir.
Secretary General of Pakistan Engineers Society
Engr. Azeez Ahmed praised PRC team for orga-
nising special meeting to express solidarity with
supreme court on the issue of stranded Pakistanis
and he prayed that soon decision comes in favor
of quarter million Pakistanis living in Bangladesh in
miserable condition.
Convener Ehsanul Haque thanked Naseem Se-
har, Dr. Ali al-Ghamdi and all the speakers, poets
and journalists for participating in the event to
lend support to PRC. He said we are optimistic
that supreme court will extend justice to those
Pakistanis and they will secure their denied rights
of citizenship.
He appealed Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to
create new Trust ( in replacement of Rabita Trust
frozen in October 2001 ) which should take neces-
sary measures to restart the process of repatriation
and rehabilitation which was stopped in his last
tenure 1993 and 1997. To overcome the paucity
of fund, we suggest to implement PRC proposal
of “settlement of stranded Pakistanis on self finance
basis”. Bangladesh should also play it’s role in solv-
ing the issue.
He said Dr. Abdullah Omar Al-Nasseef has
sought an appointment with prime minister Nawaz
Sharif to discuss ways for solving the issue of their
settlement. Other members expected to join the del-
egation will Dr. Francis Lamand, Dr. Ali Al-Ghamdi
and PRC Chairman Syed Ehteshamuddin Arshad.
Renowned poets Shaukat Jamal, Abdul Qayyum
Wasiq and Zamurrad Khan Saifi, presented poems
in praise of patriotism of stranded Pakistanis.
The function was conducted by PRC General
Secretary Abdul Qayyum Wasiq. Recitation from
holy Qur’an was made by Qari Abdul Majeed,
Naat was presented by Sher Afzal.

28
Dr. Farhan Nizami, Director of the Oxford Centre for
Islamic Studies, Oxford, welcomed the former Prime
Minister of Lebanon, HE Mr. Najib Mikati to lecture
on “Islam and the Challenges of Modernisation” at the
Examination Schools, Oxford, on Thursday, the 19th of
February, 2015. Mr. Mikati briefly spoke on the subject
and then engaged in the discussion with the audience.
Lord Williams proposed the vote of thanks after the
Questions and Answers session.
While introducing Mr. Mikati, Dr. Nizami said, “Mr.
Mikati is a graduate of American University of Beirut
and applied his Masters and BusinessAdministration to
set up with his brother a brilliantly successful telecom-
munication company. He turned from business to gov-
ernment service and from 1998 administerial post with
responsibility for public works and transportation. And
was elected as a member of parliament for a constitu-
ency in Tripoli which I understand is his home town.”
Dr. Nizami also mentioned, “His Excellency was
and remains a figure trusted by the different religious
and political constituencies that make up the political
kaleidoscope of modern Lebanon. He always try to be
the voice of the centre, the voice of moderation and
tolerance and a symbol of national unity. That is why
in 2005 at a time of renewed political mistrust in the
country he was chosen to head the transitional govern-
ment pending new elections. The general consensus
was that he to be credited for steering the country away
from civil war. The elections held on schedule and a
new centre alliance duly formed a freshly legitimised
government. His second term as Prime Minister begun
in early 2011; as the so-called Arab Spring was begin-
ning to gather steep.”
“Mr. Mikati failed to unable to continue as Prime
Minister and resigned in March 2013. That aspiration
of the Arab Spring vote for the modern democratic so-
ciety, for transparent government free from corruption
and incompetence, from military interference, from
sectarianism and from the social injustices that are the
consequences of such failure,” mentioned Dr. Nizami.
Dr. Nizami also mentioned, “Though events are still
unfolding it is clear that those aspirations remain un-
realised that the spring has become harsh winter. His
Excellency has spoken and written extensively on the
challenges that faced the Arab and Islamic worlds. He
has consistently championed pluralism, tolerance and
government by consensus. Because he has direct hands-
on experience of the realities of political life entrepre-
neur world; he is well placed to tell us whether and how
the Islamic world can deal with those realities. Things
that instability that accompanied the acute inequalities
and injustices is not confined to the Islamic world his
perspective can also enrich us and understand what is
happening in other parts of the world.
Mr. Najib Mikati, former Prime Minister of Leba-
Islam and the
Challenges of
Modernisation
Dr. Mozammel Haque
Advisor to Director General
Islamic Cultural Centre, London
28

29
non
The former Prime Minister of Lebanon, His Excellency,
Mr. Najib Mikati, said, “The terror today is about Islam
and how it might be on a collision course with other
religions especially within the modern western society.
For me, this is a fundamentally forced debate. Religious
theological believes clash with no other organisations,
since they connect to all people at virtual level. What
seems to be coming to be fore rather cultural differ-
ences between people, by the way, economic pressure,
fast communication means and political turmoil. Reli-
gion is firmly outside this debate. When watching the
evening news or grabbing the morning papers one has
the clear sense that something is confusing in the rela-
tion between Islam and the western world.”
Signs of Fear and Mistrust
Mr. Mikati said, “This is translated by growing signs
of fear and mistrust. Fear has primarily to do with the
issue of violence. Violence that transcends the ancient
past and the modern present; from suicide attacks, con-
quest of Spain, the Crusades, the colonialism, the Iraq
war, the Palestine, headscarves, the youths created cha-
os in the suburbs, Jihad, provocative, humour and the
freedom of speech.”
Important Messages of Islam
Mr. Mikati made it point blank clear, “I am neither a
theologian nor a historian but a man who fed his life. I
view Islam, my religion and that of 1.2 billion around
the world to have relate important messages that have
gone noticed beyond certain circles of curious research-
ers or brave intellectuals. Those messages are felt with
humanity, humility and equality and one can draw
many lessons and construct the linier conjecture but Is-
lam which wanted to instil in society at the outset.”
1) First Message: Woman and entrepreneurship
Former Lebanese Prime Minister started with the mes-
sage on woman and entrepreneurship. Mr. Mikati said,
“Islam is always portrayed in the western media as
discriminating against woman and especially one that
confined woman to procreation and household duties.
Khadijah, the first wife of the Prophet (peace be upon
him), was a lady entrepreneur, not an idle homemaker.
Khadijah was a very successful trader. Her businesses
outnumbered all other traders of the Makkah tribes put
together or Khadijah employed others to trade on her
behalf; Prophet as her sole representative. Ladies and
Gentleman, 1400 years ago, a rich female merchant
was Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) first
and only employer. This event established a guidance
for the role of woman and business as productive full
economic partner in Muslim culture. This is the first
teaching of Islam.
2) Message on Racial Equality
After the first teaching of Islam, His Excellency moved
to the message on racial equality. Mr. Mikati men-
tioned, “Bilal (R.A) was one of the most trusted and
loyal companions of the Prophet. Bilal was among the
emancipated slave freed by Abu Bakr. Thanks to the
Islam and to the Islamic teachings on slavery, he was
freed in the Arabian Peninsula at a time racism and in
the name of tribalism was prevailed in Makkah. The
Makkan tribal man … considered themselves superior
to all other people of the world. A black man had no
place amongst the Arab tribes except as a slave and that
way before Islam. The Qur’an stated that: “No Arab
is superior over a non-Arab and no white is superior
over black. And superiority is but righteousness and
God fearing alone.”(Sura Huzrat) Prophet Muhammad
(peace be upon him) also declared that if a Black Mus-
lim were to rule over Muslims he should be obeyed.
Such clear and more conventional act of racial equality
by promoting Bilal into a prominent position within a
nation religion was really a very powerful message that
reverberated long ago and far.”
3) Message of Social Harmony
Former Lebanese Prime Minister then moved on to
another message on Social Harmony. Mr. Mikati said,
“Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) came to Ma-
dinah after the period of 13 years of preaching Islam in
Makkah. At that time the City of Madinah and its sur-
rounding area were home to many Jews, Christians and
other Arabian pagan tribes. There were also people of
various racial and national origin, including Romans,
Persians and Ethiopians. Taking into considerations of
the hopes and aspirations of this community of multi-
ethnic multi-religious background, Prophet Muham-
mad (peace be upon him) drew up the basic principles
of pluralistic Constitution. The new Constitution had
strengthened the unity between the immigrants from
Makkah and the people of Madinah. Moreover, it estab-
lished the rights of equality of every citizen irrespective
of their religious orientations before the law as well as
freedom of belief, trade and speech. The following is
29

MWL-Journal-2015-May

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