OIC Sec-Gen Commits To Defending Palestinian Cause And Muslim Minority Rights

From Noor Bakhtiar Ahmad

MANAMA (Bahrain), Feb 20 (Bernama) -- Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Secretary General Hissein Brahim Taha has emphasised the organisation’s dedication to defending the Palestinian cause and advocating for the rights of Muslim minorities in non-OIC member states.

Taha underscored the urgency of addressing pressing global challenges through collective action and emphasised the need to combat Islamophobia, extremism, and hate speech while fostering moderation and tolerance.

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"Scholars and intellectuals must take responsibility for raising awareness of the importance of intra-Islamic dialogue and supporting efforts to build societies based on justice and mutual respect," he said in his remarks at the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference here on Wednesday.

Taha outlined the OIC’s initiatives to enhance cooperation among Islamic countries in science and technology, economic integration, and food security, as well as its efforts to support women’s empowerment, youth development, child welfare and care for the elderly.

He noted the need for intensified joint efforts to ensure a prosperous future for the Islamic world.

"The OIC remains committed to supporting all initiatives that promote Islamic cooperation, dialogue, moderation and tolerance," he added.

The two-day conference, organised by Al Azhar Al Sharif, the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (SCIA) in Bahrain, and the Muslim Council of Elders, gathered over 400 Islamic scholars, religious leaders, intellectuals, and experts from across the Islamic world under the theme “One Nation, One Shared Destiny”.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Judge of Palestine and Advisor to the Palestinian President for Religious Affairs and Islamic Relations, Shaikh Dr Mahmoud Al Habbash, noted the importance of holding the conference at a time when the Islamic world faces major challenges, particularly concerning the Palestinian cause and the protection of holy sites.

He emphasised the urgent need for Islamic unity and highlighted that the divisions and challenges confronting the Islamic world call for greater solidarity and cohesion.

"Strengthening cooperation among Muslims is essential for addressing regional threats and advancing the Palestinian cause, which remains central to the concerns of the Islamic world," he said.

-- BERNAMA