ORGANIZATION OF ISLAMIC CONFERENCE - HOW FAR?

[Dan-Borno]

The Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC)
is the second largest inter-governmental organization
after the United Nations which has membership of
57 states spread over four continents. The Organization
is the collective voice of the Muslim world and ensuring
to safeguard and project the interests of the Muslim
world in the spirit of promoting international peace
and harmony among various people of the world.

Among its aims and objectives are: Strengthen Islamic
solidarity among Member States; Cooperation in the political,
economic, social, cultural and scientific fields: The struggle
of all Muslim people to safeguard their dignity, independence
and national rights.   Safeguard the Holy Places;
Support the struggle of the Palestinian people and assist them
in recovering their rights and liberating their occupied territories.
Eliminate racial discrimination and all forms of colonialism;
Create a favorable atmosphere for the promotion of cooperation
and understanding between Member States and other countries.

Over the years, we were meant to understand that the OIC
is so powerful that it can execute its aims and objectives
without hinderance either politically or socially both locally and
internationally, however, we are wrong, as it is glaringly clear
that the OIC never leaves to its expectations.  To cut the story
short, an average African Muslim whose country is even a full
time member of the OIC knows nothing about the existence
of this organisation, this shows how failure becomes the second
name of OIC, if at all common publicity of its activities could
not reach to its destination.

OIC just concluded a Summit in Dakar, Senegal from 13 - 14
March, 2008 with a Special Development Programme for Africa
underits  resolution No. 5/11-E(IS) resolved to build railway line
between Dakar and Port-Sudan ( i.e. Sudan, Chad, Niger, Nigeria, Mali,
Burkina Faso, and Senegal).  I kept wondering if at all the OIC
is ever aware of the crisis brewing in places like the Republic of
Tchad and the environs of Sudan, not to talk of the children
dying in Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia.  Almost all the programs
initiated by the OIC are programes of long term effect and in most
cases overshadowed by events.

An ordinary African hears about the UN on daily basis, the Red Cross
are doing a job well done not to talk of other well known humanitarian
organisations who immediately reach out to the needy when they
are darely in need.

During the OIC summit, issues that relates to the debt relief to
African Countries were also deliberated, however, how and when
was not physically stated.

I am not advocating that the OIC engage in a military action, No,
however, as a political organisation with such aims, better actively
participate in the world current affairs, supporting all Muslim
countries (ACTIVELY) that were plagued by economic hardship and
political crisis.  For decades the issue of Palastine has been on
the front page of all western newspapers while the east lavishly
spend their money in buying hefty looking cars.

Considering the calibre of rich arab countries to this conference
and the time frame covered by its activities over the time, it
should have started yielding positive results by now.  I heard
from reliable sources that OIC has been restricted from even
giving out scholarships to member countries to pursue islamic
knowledge, not to talk of sponsoring islamic publications.

In conclusion, while we Africans contributed immensely to our
backwardness, the Arab World should remember that we
are bonded by Islam, and it is the common principle of Islam
that we should help one another, especially in terms of
crises and tribulations.  The giant Arabs should not only be
resolving issues and passing resolutions without any financial
backings and actively participating in the world's politics.
And if on the other hand, they have been helping us but
our greed leaders are diverting it to their personal pockets,
let them amplify their activities openly so that the average
man can enlightened and take decision on his own.

It is either we help Islam now or we leave to regret.

[EMTL]

Assalamu alaikum,
Dan-Barno this is very interesting write up may Allah (SWT) reward u with Al Jannatil Firdaus for this Ijtihad. As Muslims we must be concerned about islam and the plight of our Borthers and sisters world-wide.

Yes, OIC has some challenges that are of great concenrn to all of us. I belief our esteemed brothers and sisters here in this forum will make meaningful contributions in this discourse. Allah (SWT) Ya saka da ALKHAIRI.

[Ibro2g]

Its a sad story indeed Dan-Borno. Most often I forget the organisation exists because it has been a case of much ado without action like our ACF. There is no strategy put into place, there is no responsibility realised by any member state or the organisaion itself, nothing. At one time, they were talking about a global broadcast radio of the OIC, but we cant hear anything from them at all. Its just too disappointing.

Indeed another failed mission of the muslim to his/her religion.

[gogannaka]

The opening speech by Mr Mahathir Mohammed at the OIC summit makes a lot of sense.

Please endeavour to read it.It might be lengthy but it sure makes sense.

http://www.mpac-ng.org/archive/the-speech.php