Closing Statement

The 1st General Assembly of the Ninth Executive Term for the Federation of Islamic Organisations in Europe was held—by the grace and blessing of Allah—in the period 21-23 May 2010 (7-9 Jumada al-Thani 1431AH) in Istanbul—European Capital of Culture 2010.

This ordinary meeting of the General Assembly convened with the participation of the Federation’s leadership, representatives from its member organisations in most European States, and representatives of its central specialist institutions. The Meeting sessions were also enriched by the presence of a number of esteemed guests.

The General Assembly deliberated over the gains and achievements accumulated during the Federation’s Eighth Executive Term (2006-2010), which was distinguished by the high level of professionalism in general and financial reporting. The conclusion of this Eighth Executive Term crowned 25 years of the Federation's blessed journey—from inception to present distinction in striving to be at the leading edge.

The General Assembly also discussed the performance of the Federation and its institutions, and reflected on the current European status and affairs of Muslims on the Continent, as well as related matters and concerns.

Following the endorsement of the general management and financial reports, the General Assembly proceeded to carry out elections, according to established systems and rules. Chakuib Ben Makhlouf, may Allah guide and protect him, was returned as President of the Federation, re-elected for the second consecutive term. At the same time, complementary elections for membership of the Federation’s governing body, the Shurah Council, were also concluded.

The General Assembly considered the progress of the Federation, and further emphasised the strategic aims that had been endorsed during previous executive terms. The Assembly stressed, particularly, the widening in the circle of co-operation and coordination, while reinforcing participation in social dialogue, and further efforts to serve the interests of Muslims on the European continent, and the public interest of European societies and States.

At the end of proceedings, the General Assembly concluded with the following recommendations and resolutions:

2.       The Assembly calls upon Muslims in Europe—communities, organisations, and individuals—to continue collective good efforts, and development of positive performance in its various aspects, so as to raise the profile of the European Muslim presence; at the same time, directing a significant amount of effort to caring for the needs of the younger generations, in the form of projects, programmes, and intense efforts, as well as serving the public interest of European societies and States.

3.       The Assembly looks forward to the fusion of positive efforts by Europe's Muslims, with their diverse backgrounds and communities, to embody the principle of cooperation in good and piety, and with the aim of working together to develop their status and reinforce positive participation in their European countries and societies.

4.       The Assembly has followed with great concern, the growing trend of abuse directed towards Islam, and the misrepresentation of Muslims, with an escalating discourse of hate that is divisive of societies, and foments animosity among constituents. The Assembly has noted, with great disappointment, the events witnessed in some European countries recently in this regard, which only feed selective racism and political extremism. The Assembly voices its deep concern regarding the reverses in the arena of human rights, and personal and religious liberties, and the recession in values of equality and equal opportunities, including the restrictions on building places of worship and minarets, criminalising personal dress choice, and a growing insidious culture of prohibition based on selective and unjust criteria.

5.       The Assembly invites all concerned—authorities, bodies, the media, officials, intellectuals, public opinion leaders, human rights organisations, and civil society institutions to act in light of their moral responsibility to deal with this phenomenon of hate and incitement against Islam and Muslims, and the trend towards erosion of civil liberties, and individual and religious rights. The Assembly encourages Muslims to deal wisely with this phenomenon, and to work together with the constituents of society to reinforce solidarity and mutual understanding, in order to protect the humane values of European societies and constitutional principles, while ignoring extremist calls, and avoiding divisive positions.

6.       The Assembly considers as reprehensible the political and media campaigns that insult and denigrate Muslim women and girls, fuelling baseless fears that are provocative in character, and violate the principle of coexistence and spirit of harmony, and are offensive to women's dignity. The Assembly finds strange the escalating campaign under the so-called banner of “ban the Niqab or Burka”, regardless of the Fiqh position on the matter, and considers this to be an orchestrated campaign of discrimination, and a deterioration in the political and media discourse; furthermore, it only serves to divert much-needed attention away from the key issues and challenges existing in the European reality.

7.       The Assembly follows with great alarm the escalation by the Israeli occupation authorities against the noble city of Al-Quds, subject to attack in the form of ethnic cleansing policies against the legitimate inhabitants of the Holy City, apartheid, and colonialist expansion; especially, since the aggression against the City, its holy sites, and its historical identity now threatens the Blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque from virtually every direction. In this regard, the Assembly calls for a firm stand against these oppressive policies.

8.       The Assembly followed closely the embarkation of the "Freedom for Gaza" fleet from various European ports, with the aim of breaking the unjust blockade inflicted on the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip. The Assembly praises these collective efforts that express awakening of conscience, and reiterates its demands founded on the necessity of lifting this oppressive blockade, which represents a crime judged reprehensible by religions, human values, moral standards, and international conventions.

9.       The Assembly calls attention to the growing individual and collective responsibilities as a result of the financial crisis witnessed in some European states, and reminds of the importance of reinforcing mutual caring, and social solidarity. The Assembly also invites European governments, as they confront the challenges of economic recession, to uphold their responsibility in protecting the rights of low-income groups, creating job opportunities, and maintaining a focus on youth to prevent them from falling victim to unemployment.

10.    The Assembly has followed the recent incidents of escalating violence witnessed in a number of European societies. These include domestic violence, and violence in schools and neighbourhoods. The Assembly encourages Muslims to develop their contribution in the treatment of this phenomenon, and so protect society from its consequences, by falling back on the essence and meanings of Islam that reject aggression, and invite to social peace and protection of the family fabric.

11.    The Assembly considers the current status of the city of Istanbul as European capital of culture—represented by its rich historical heritage and esteemed value to civilisation—an auspicious moment that emphasises the value of connections among civilisations on the Continent, and highlights the rich cultural diversity on the European scene, of which Muslims form one of its pluralistic and flourishing constituents.

Finally, all praise and blessings are to Allah, Lord of all creation.

Istanbul, 23 May 2010 (9 Jumada al-Thani 1431AH)

The Federation of Islamic Organisations in Europe