OIC Vows to Intensify Efforts to Achieve Social Justice, Security for the Disabled

OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha (Asharq Al-Awsat)
OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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OIC Vows to Intensify Efforts to Achieve Social Justice, Security for the Disabled

OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha (Asharq Al-Awsat)
OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha (Asharq Al-Awsat)

On the occasion of the International Day of Disabled Persons, Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha called on member states, pertinent OIC institutions and international organizations to intensify efforts to achieve social justice, according to a press release by OIC.

The event, observed every year, since 1992, on December 3 pursuant to a UN resolution, aims to raise awareness about these issues facing disabled persons and the need to intensify efforts to integrate them in the society, SPA reported.

Efforts to that end entail implementing resolutions, policies and programs to support disabled individuals and conducting awareness-raising activities to facilitate their integration into their communities.

Taha also emphasized the difficult humanitarian situation experienced by the Palestinian people, "arising from the killing of innocent children, women, elderly, disabled, and youth, and also repression, violence, destruction of health, cultural, sport and services infrastructure", focusing particularly on the difficulties experienced by disabled individuals.

According to the release, the OIC ministerial conference on social development, held in Egypt in June 2023, adopted resolutions in support of disabled individuals.

These resolutions encourage member states to share experiences and best practices regarding the integration and rehabilitation of disabled persons within their respective nations.



Scholars’ Gathering Affirms Islamic Consensus on Women’s Right to Education

The exclusive Scholars’ Session, part of the “Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities” initiative, was held in Islamabad. Asharq Al-Awsat
The exclusive Scholars’ Session, part of the “Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities” initiative, was held in Islamabad. Asharq Al-Awsat
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Scholars’ Gathering Affirms Islamic Consensus on Women’s Right to Education

The exclusive Scholars’ Session, part of the “Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities” initiative, was held in Islamabad. Asharq Al-Awsat
The exclusive Scholars’ Session, part of the “Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities” initiative, was held in Islamabad. Asharq Al-Awsat

Bringing together representatives from Fiqh academies, organizations, councils, and religious committees, along with a distinguished assembly of muftis and senior scholars from various schools of thought and sects across the Islamic world, the Scholars’ Session reaffirmed the enduring consensus in Islam—both historically and contemporarily—on the legitimate right of women to education.

The exclusive Scholars’ Session, part of the “Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities” initiative, was held in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, under the leadership of Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars.

At the conclusion of the extensive scholarly dialogue, which lasted several hours, all participants unanimously affirmed—with enlightened judgment—the Islamic consensus, both historically and contemporarily, on the legitimate right of women to education.

This consensus is based on the comprehensive Islamic texts concerning the matter, affirming that women possess the same rights as their male counterparts to education at any age, level, or field of study, provided it aligns with Islamic teachings.

The discussion underscored that this right is rooted in the fundamental Islamic obligation of seeking knowledge, which applies equally to both genders, in accordance with Islamic teachings.

The dialogue included a thorough refutation of all misconceptions surrounding women's education, whether these were complete or partial. Participants emphasized that their religious declaration is intended for all individuals, institutions, and both public and private entities across the Islamic world and minority communities, adhering to the appropriate Islamic methodology for such declarations.

The scholars’ statements praised the comprehensive principles related to the legitimate empowerment of women in general, and their education in particular, as outlined in the Charter of Makkah and the Charter of Building Bridges between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects.

Both international conferences, which issued these charters, were supported by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz.