Sheikh Abdallah bin Bayyah recently highlighted the significance of the Marrakech Declaration on the rights of religious minorities during an international conference. This declaration represents a pivotal movement toward fostering a culture of peace and religious coexistence. The emphasis on this landmark document underscores a collective responsibility to enhance religious freedoms and equality for diverse communities worldwide.
International Efforts for Religious Freedom
Sheikh Abdallah bin Bayyah’s participation in this conference is part of a broader initiative aimed at promoting religious tolerance on an international scale, reflecting his role as Secretary-General of the Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace. He has engaged in numerous international dialogues that bring together religious leaders and decision-makers with the goal of addressing religious freedoms and establishing equitable citizenship foundations. His approaches draw upon the essence of different faiths while contemporary interpretations address the challenges of religious pluralism.
The Historical Importance of the Marrakech Declaration
In his address, Sheikh Abdallah bin Bayyah articulated the historical significance of the Marrakech Declaration concerning the rights of religious minorities in the Islamic world. He described the declaration as a critical document that solidifies the principles of full citizenship and religious pluralism within modern nation-states. Issued in 2016 through the initiative of the Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace in collaboration with Morocco’s Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, the declaration marked a turning point in government relations with various religious communities. Sheikh bin Bayyah underscored that it aligns with explicit texts from Islamic jurisprudence and the legacy of the Prophet Muhammad, urging a revival of the fair citizenship principle that treats all citizens equally, regardless of religion or ethnicity.
Guidance from Ethical and Political References
Sheikh Abdallah recalled the message from King Mohammed VI addressed to the Marrakech Conference participants, which firmly stated, “It is unacceptable to use religion as justification for undermining the rights of religious minorities in Islamic countries.” This serves as a clear ethical and political reference, establishing strong barriers against the exploitation of religion for exclusionary practices. It paves the way for building just societies founded on mutual dignity and respect. He further quoted Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Bayyah, President of the Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace, during the conference, stating, “Today, we are not producing a legal fatwa, but rather shaping a civilizational vision inspired by the higher objectives of Islam, grounded in solid legal and historical foundations.” This emphasis on ethical collaboration among institutions greatly enhances the credibility and growing interest in the Marrakech Declaration among international organizations and human rights institutions.
The Call to Action
Sheikh Bin Bayyah pointed out that what distinguishes the Marrakech Declaration goes beyond its advanced content; it represents a high-level institutional collaboration involving religious authorities and moderate governments. This credibility has led to its adoption as a reference for various global initiatives and policies related to religious freedom. He noted the declaration’s emergence during a critical period when the image of the Islamic world was being tarnished by extremist groups, positioning it as a civilizational response that reflects the core Islamic values of tolerance and coexistence. “When leaders and scholars unite, not as a reaction to war or under the pressure of sanctions, but driven by a belief in human dignity, we are witnessing a transformative moment in human conscience,” he emphasized.
Sheikh Abdallah concluded his address by stressing the need to transition from the declaration to actionable policies and practices, advocating for enhanced cooperation among parliaments, religious leaders, and civil society to implement these principles in national legislation and practices. He expressed hope that this gathering would serve as a further step toward building a global coalition for religious freedom and peaceful coexistence, based on universal values that unite humanity in its diversity.
The session was moderated by Mohamed Senoussi, Executive Director of the Religious and Traditional Peace Makers Network and Commissioner at the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. It featured significant contributions from various participants, including Irene Yosiana Rupa Putri, a member of the Indonesian House of Representatives, and Catherine Marshall, a senior fellow at the Berkeley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs.