Organisation of Islamic Cooperation
The Collective Voice of The Muslim World
Date: 26/12/2009
On the occasion of the advent of the Ashura Day commemoration (10th Muharram 1431 H) the Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, Prof. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, issued the following statement: Today the anniversary of Ashura turns round, reminding us of this important event in the history of the Islamic Ummah, an event which Muslims revisit in their memory every year and whose happenings are remembered for the lessons that can be drawn from them. This commemoration remains an important milestone at which Muslims of all schools seek such inspiration as to strengthen their solidarity and further entrench their faith and their trust in God, Mighty and Sublime be He, however diverse their perspectives may be. Diversity indeed is one of the attributes of the “created” while unity is one of the attributes of the “Creator”. Inasmuch as all these varied perspectives as to the essence of this commemoration flow from one common and unique source, however different their interpretations may be, it is incumbent upon the Islamic Ummah which is going through such painful hardships, to recall this event, ponder over the present state in which we find ourselves and give consideration to our current affairs and our aspirations such as to set us free of the injustices meted upon our Ummah and promote our progress towards prosperity and progress. I wish to avail myself of this opportunity to call for action to consolidate the values of brotherhood among Muslims and to facilitate the unification of their ranks. Therein indeed reside all strength-inducing factors, whereas division bears only the seeds of weakness. This is a time indeed when we are so much in need for our ranks to be united so that we may stand up to the campaigns of hostility against us and defend our causes and interests, foremost of which the rescuing the Holy Mosque of Al-Aqsa and supporting our Palestinian brothers in their struggle to recover their despoiled rights and enabling them to live in dignity. I pray to God Almighty that this commemoration will soon be celebrated with the Islamic Ummah having regained its rightful eminent position among the world nations and achieved its aspiration to real solidarity, progress and prosperity.
