In the Name of Allāh,

the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful

Praise is due to Allāh, Lord of the worlds, may the blessings and peace be upon our master Muḥammad, the last of prophets, on his family, and all his companions.

Resolution No. 135 (1/15)

Islamic Discourse: Characteristics and Challenges

The Council of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, holding its 15th session in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, on 14–19 Muḥarram 1425h (6–11 March 2004),

Having examined the research papers submitted to the Academy concerning the Islamic Discourse: Characteristics and Challenges,

Having listened to the discussions on the subject,

Having recalled the verses of the Holy Quran that require the approach of wisdom and good preachment in the call for Allāh, and the Sunnah’s directives and teachings, whether in verbalization or in setting practical examples,

Having considered the necessity of observing the circumstances of those to whom the discourse is addressed and on selecting the best possible approach depending on the situation and on characterizing the discourse with moderation and balance, making it suitable to persons to whom it is oriented,

Resolves

1. The term “Islamic Discourse” refers to the method of expression used for presenting the facts, teachings and rules of Islam concerning the various public and private aspects of life.
2. The debate, which is currently raised on the subject, necessitates a clarification of the beautiful characteristics of the Islamic Discourse and refutation of the suspicions raised around it to defeat the aggressive attacks against Islam and resist the fierce media campaigns aim at distorting the image of Islam.
3. Nevertheless, renewal of the Islamic Discourse should not lead to any change in its fundamental principles or to any attempt to discard any principle of Islam or established rulings of Shariah.

Recommendations

1. Working for integration of the efforts of preachers and intellectuals

concerned with the Islamic Discourse, whether in Islamic or non-Islamic societies, to ensure observance of the directives of the Quran and the Sunnah regarding Islamic Daʿwah, and the emphasis they should put on wisdom and good preachment, and avoidance of any ways that could lead to frustration of those who are invited to Islam.

1. There is a need for making use of all modern means and techniques of communication so that the Islamic Discourse can reach all levels of
2. Muslim governments and wealthy Muslims are called upon to donate money and exert efforts for dissemination of the Islamic Discourse through the media, especially space channels and the internet, so as to reveal the facts of Islam, remove all doubts that are being raised about it, and purify media devices from any misrepresentation of
3. Encouragement of constructive thinking for renewal of the approach of the Islamic Discourse so that it blends originality with modernity,

i.e. it observes fundamental principles of Islam while catering for temporal interests and accommodating traditions that do not violate the established fundaments of Shariah.

Indeed, Allāh is the Giver of Success.