Sheikh Dr. Ali Al-Qaradaghi, the esteemed President of the International Union for Muslim Scholars, has strongly advocated for a global stance against the desecration of religious sanctities. Following the reprehensible acts involving the publication of offensive cartoons targeting Muslim sacred symbols, he has spearheaded a call for a United Nations resolution. This proposed resolution seeks an international ban on any forms of disrespect towards the sacred elements of all religions, not just those held dear by Muslims.
This initiative was warmly received in the context of the United Nations General Assembly's recent endorsement of a landmark resolution aimed squarely at countering the rising tide of Islamophobia. This pivotal resolution garnered overwhelming support, with 115 countries voting in favor, while 44 expressed reservations, yet notably, without a single country opposing it.
The Secretary-General of the Union has lauded this UN decision as a critical opportunity for the global community to gain a deeper understanding of Islam and its core values of humanity (statement).
Dr. Al-Qaradaghi further emphasized that the International Union for Muslim Scholars staunchly opposes any acts of provocation against any religious sanctities. He referenced a guiding principle from the Holy Quran, which advocates for mutual respect among different faiths to prevent the cycle of disrespect and enmity (Al-An'am: 108).
He passionately appealed to Muslim minorities across the globe, urging them to exemplify the noble values of Islam through acts of mercy, justice, and benevolence. This call to action is rooted in the divine commandment that underscores the significance of embodying good conduct and fairness in all dealings.
In his visionary leadership, Dr. Al-Qaradaghi also encourages these communities to proudly present the true essence of Islam to the world—a religion founded on the pillars of exceptional moral character, as exemplified by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
The UN resolution, therefore, stands as a condemnation of media content that fuels discrimination, violence, and religious hatred. It advocates for stringent measures to curb religious intolerance and hostility towards Muslims. Moreover, it underscores the importance of respecting all religious texts and sacred sites.
A notable advancement within this framework is the call for the appointment of a "Special Representative to combat Islamophobia," marking a significant step towards addressing and mitigating religious prejudice and discrimination on a global scale.
The resolution not only champions the cause of combating religious bigotry and violence against Muslims but also promotes intercultural and interfaith dialogue. The UN Secretary-General has been tasked with compiling a comprehensive report on the resolution's implementation, which is to be presented at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, symbolizing a collective commitment to fostering a world of tolerance, respect, and mutual understanding among diverse religious communities.