April 24th 2005

This is the final statement of the first conference in Austria that brought together more than 100 imams and women of theological knowledge to agree on a common position for Islam in Austria.

AUSTRIAN IMAM CONFERENCE

FINAL STATEMENT

Preamble

In June 2003, the Imam Conference in Graz succeeded to lay an important foundation for the position of Islam in Europe. The declaration for democracy, rule of law, pluralism as well as the clear condemnation of extremism and fanaticism, expressed by more than 120 delegates from 35 countries, were demonstrated on the basis of Islamic sources and highly welcomed especially by Muslim circles all over Europe. This statement forms an important part of a process which, in an increasingly concrete inter-Muslim discourse dealing with practical questions, should strengthen the identity of Muslims in Europe. Further conferences should follow. The compatibility of the Muslim way of life with the European one needs to be made visible inside as much as outside Europe.

In Austria, before the background of recent developments, the Muslims decided not to wait for the next conference following the one in Graz and which is planned in cooperation with the Foreign Ministry for 2006, but to take advantage of the positive climate in Austria to organise an internal conference. Even within Europe, Austria may be considered as a model in its relationship with Islam. Here, the status of recognition of Islam promotes the dialogue on an equal level, thus creating a climate of social and religious peace.

Muslims suffer increasingly from an unacceptable equation between Islam and terrorism which generates a constantly growing attitude of rejection in public opinion. Muslims are confronted with a strong pressure for justification. Within the “global war against terror”, the concentration on a very small and narrow segment of radicals, which is omnipresent in every debate about Islam, has led to a fatal impression: i.e. that terror and intolerance are generated by Islam itself and that every Muslim is dangerous, at least potentially. Newly established terms like “sleeper” had to create the impression that every Muslim could turn to violence.

In this situation, Muslims themselves have the responsibility, even the obligation, to provide the highest possible transparency and to bring the focus again on the overwhelming majority of Muslims who, in living up to the teachings of their religion, stand for mutual respect and understanding and reject terrorism as disdainful for human beings. Multipliers of a peace-loving and rational Islam are key players in this process. The voices of the Imams, theologians and intellectuals need to reach Muslims as well as the outside world. They are in close contact with the people and can achieve a lot. The clear position of Islam concerning freedom, human dignity and women’s rights needs to become common knowledge. The best medicine against hatred and intolerance is knowledge.


Standpoints and resolutions concerning “Islam in Austria”


Common values within diversity

Diversity is a phenomenon common to all European societies. A key to deal with this diversity in a useful way lies in the recognition that this is also a common good, the biggest common denominator between Muslims and people of other religions or ideologies. Common goods like the above reveal the universal character of values which ensure the quality of human coexistence.

As far as Christians and Jews are concerned, Jesus and Moses, peace be with them, are, according to the noble Koran and the Sunnah, important envoys among the five greatest prophets in world history. Our noble prophet Muhammad, peace be with him, followed their steps and paths. Only those who accept the existence of these prophets are Muslims. Within a universal frame, the belief of Muslims in an equal and common origin of all mankind forms the basis of the school of thought which, in the same way as the humanistic tradition, defines humanity as the central value. The sense of mutual responsibility among humans and the responsibility for the Creation can only become effective if human beings are considered equal without application of different measures.

This principle can only be translated into reality if values are not jealously claimed by single groups. The search for freedom, justice and human dignity is what we have in common with other religions, ideologies and world views. Opposed to this are poverty, oppression, discrimination, racism and occupation.


Value of life

Life is the highest asset for Islam. This is why it demands absolute protection independently from ethnic background, religious confession, ideology, material or intellectual property. “[…] whoever slays a soul…it is as though he slew all men…whoever keeps it alive, it is as though he kept alive all men…” (Koran 5:32).


Freedom

Freedom possesses highest priority immediately after life. Innate in all human beings, it has the same value as life. By expressing an opinion, no human being should have to fear for his life, be discriminated or be impeded to practise his religion or follow his ideology. According to Muslims, the differences between the perspectives and opinions are to be respected as divinely ordained. Thus, all forms of constraint on the basis of religion are rejected.


The position of women

Women and men are partners and equal in human dignity, rights and obligations. From this results the right of women to learn and teach, the right to work, the right to vote and the right of eligibility, the right to participate in the social discourse and decision-making process, and the right of financial independence. It is absolutely necessary to guarantee women the same possibilities as men so they can orientate themselves freely and responsibly in order to reach their personal objectives in life. It is not enough to condemn discrimination against women as inconsistent with Islam. In view of social phenomena such as insufficient access to education or forced marriages, even if marginal, it is necessary to develop Islamic concepts leading to their defeat. The participation of women in all areas of the socio-political life needs to be promoted.



Muslims in the Austrian society

The participants in the Graz Conference emphasized the need to respect the constitutional principals of the Republic of Austria, especially the equality of all citizens before law, pluralism, democratic parliamentarianism and the rule of law.
The status of recognition of Islam in Austria and the practical advantages linked to it, like the right to practice religion freely and openly, the internal autonomy of the Islamic Religious Community, religious instruction in schools and respect for religious affiliation, for instance in the army, are being perceived and highly appreciated by the Muslim citizens. The moderate and open attitude towards Muslims in Austria creates a positive atmosphere of cooperation with the whole society. The culture of dialogue enables the building of bridges, taking up topics of general interest in an objective way instead of closing oneself up in ignorance and retreat. The negative consequences of isolation in some kind of parallel society are recognized by the Muslims of Austria; thus, segregation models are rejected. In this sense, the participants in the Conference confirm the motto “integration through participation” expressed by the Islamic Religious Community on the occasion of its 25th anniversary. This participation concerns all areas, social, cultural, political and economic.

The security of the country means equally the security of the Muslim population. Prosperity and progress are to be developed as a matter of common concern through loyalty to the constitution and personal commitment.


The position of youth

The hopes and calls of the Viennese Imam Conference are, in first place, to be fulfilled by the youth, since the Austrian Muslim youth sees itself as a new generation of young men and women who identify themselves with the land and people as well as their democracy and legal system.


Islam and extremism

It is not enough to dismiss as marginal extreme views and attitudes which do not match the consensus defined above. Narrow-mindedness and fanaticism, which rule out any kind of dialogue because of the blind belief that only one’s own interpretation of facts is valid, have no room in Austria; this is one of the many reasons why one should be aware of one’s responsibility to ensure further clarification and understanding.


Financial independence of Muslims in Austria

The Islamic Religious Community as well as the vast majority of Islamic associations are autonomous Austrian institutions which are subsidized exclusively through membership fees and donations as well as through the generous work of volunteers. Despite the very tense financial situation, it ensures our independence which guarantees our autonomy.



Solidarity with the Islamic world

We are not indifferent to the situation of Muslims in the world. In many parts of the Muslim world, we observe with concern lack of democracy, social injustice, occupation, war and economic uncertainty. In this context, our work is focussed on clarification, political sensitisation and humanitarian aid. In particular, we initiate projects for women, sponsor orphans and support sick and handicapped people. In order to achieve this, we collect donations also in Austria. In the process of shaping public opinion, we position ourselves in the media.


Resolutions of the Imam Conference in short

1. The Austrian Imam Conference agrees on the fact that the Muslims of Austria are a constituent part of the Austrian society. The relationship between the Muslims and the Austrian society should build upon mutual good will and the constitution. From this results the religious duty of peaceful coexistence with and within the Austrian society and its different ethnic and religious groups. Furthermore, the Austrian Imam Conference considers the constructive integration and participation of Muslims in the Austrian society as absolutely necessary.
2. The Austrian Imam Conference insists upon the fact that every Muslim – as much as any other citizen – has the duty to commit himself actively to the security and peace of the country and its inhabitants.
3. The Austrian Imam Conference encourages the Muslims living in Austria to actively protect and preserve public and private property and resources as well as cooperate and help in case of emergencies and natural disasters.
4. The Austrian Imam Conference condemns all terrorist and extremist acts of violence in the world.
5. The Austrian Imam Conference considers it absolutely necessary for the international community to deal seriously and scientifically with the phenomenon of terrorism and supports the creation of a committee of intellectuals and opinion-makers to deal intensively with this matter.
6. The Austrian Imam Conference observes that the international community of states has not yet agreed upon a definition of the terms “terror” or “terrorist” and in this context points out the fact that terror can not be associated with any religion, nation or civilization. Furthermore, it stresses the fact that anyone who threatens an innocent civilian with terror and murder is a terrorist whatever his affiliation may be.
7. The Austrian Imam Conference instructs all Imams and intellectuals to deal intensively with the possibilities to fight extremism in all its forms.
8. The Austrian Imam Conference observes that justice and freedom represent two essential human values and that it is the duty of every society, all categories included, to stand up for justice anytime and anywhere so that all nations may enjoy their rights and liberties. Furthermore, the Conference confirms that the international declaration of human rights and similar documents form part of these universal human values.
9. The Austrian Imam Conference points out that Islam holds life sacred. For this reason, anything that contradicts this principle is to be disapproved of. In sura 5:32, the Koran strongly emphasizes the value of life.
10. The Austrian Imam Conference points out that it is not allowed to mock other religious convictions, symbols or values.
11. The Austrian Imam Conference points out that in Islam women and men are equal in their value and in the sharing of rights and duties. Any violation of the rights and dignity of women, be they physical, psychological or mental, is rejected and strongly condemned by Islam. Moreover, it is necessary to lead an honest discourse on the basis of religion in order to create a deep consciousness of women’s rights.
12. The Austrian Imam Conference insists on the fact that Islam does not recognize any theocracy; on the contrary, Islam supports the principals of pluralism and democracy. This, amongst others, finds its expression in the Islamic principle of the diversity of people and cultures which has a positive effect on the development of civilization.
13. The Austrian Imam Conference points out that dialogue is the best instrument for the exchange of ideas between the various social groups and religions. It guarantees mutual recognition and peaceful coexistence. A fruitful dialogue asks for the ability to communicate; in Austria, it requires the knowledge of the German language. This is why the Imam Conference stresses the need to acquire the language.
14. The Austrian Imam Conference considers service to the society as one of the best actions Islam demands; thus, it urges the Muslims to participate actively in all areas of the society.
15. The Austrian Imam Conference considers environmental care and the thoughtful handling of animals and plants as good deeds which deserve mutual encouragement.
16. The Austrian Imam Conference considers the Muslims in Austria and Europe as a vital link between Europe and the Islamic world. A closer and more trustful relationship should arise from the perception of and the esteem for their role as bridge-builders.
17. Networking and better communication between the associations, mosques and the Islamic Religious Community in Austria should accelerate the positive development of the dialogue.


Recommendations by the Conference

a. This statement shall be put up publicly in every mosque.
b. Our engagement against any form of racism also comprises a vigilant attitude towards manifestations of hostility against or phobia about Islam which must be overcome. Hostility against Islam is not harmless.
c. Deepening of the Muslims’ understanding of the significance of active participation in all areas of the society: cultural, economic, political and social.
d. Strengthening of and emphasis on the Islamic concern about human rights and women’s questions through the publication of multilingual brochures (in German and in other languages spoken by the Muslim communities in Austria) for internal Muslim information and clarification also towards the outside world.
e. Development of strategies to fight extreme views as well as raise of awareness concerning rigid and unilateral attitudes which could be harmful to Islam and Muslims, in the past or today. Shared commitment concerning the protection against such views or thoughts. For this purpose, the argumentation builds on a detailed theological and practical approach which keeps focusing on the current challenges. The three components of a fatwa (religious ruling) concern time, place and the persons in question as foreseen in Islamic theology.
f. Sensitization and clarification concerning all forms of intolerance, no minimization of any tendency towards extremism. Similarly, personal commitment is necessary in the fight against these elements by intervening and remediating against them. In this sense, support in the field of education is indispensable.
g. Repeated convening of this kind of conferences in order to continue and develop constant networking and an effective working process and to be able to respond in time to challenges. This statement forms a framework within which further discourse should take place. The continuation of the Graz Conference in 2006 would be an important next step.
h. Creation of a commission of scholars and intellectuals, men and women, multiethnic and representative of the various legal schools under the chairmanship of a mufti, which submits statements and standpoints on current themes to the appropriate committees of the Islamic Religious Community in Austria. The focus should lie on the obligations of the Muslims towards society. The topics will arise from the final statement of this Conference.


Vienna, 15.3.1426
24.4.2005

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Publiziert am: 2005-11-11
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