TOWARDS GLOBAL PEACE
We often talk of peace in the context of war. But this is a very narrow and restricted notion of peace. Peace is deeply linked with the entirety of human life. Peace is a complete ideology in itself. Peace is the only religion for both—man and the universe. It is the master-key that opens the doors to every success. Peace creates a favourable atmosphere for success in every endeavour. Without peace, no positive action—small or big—is possible.
PEACE IN AFGHANISTAN
Bogor conference: Terrorism, suicide attacks violate Islamic
principles, say Muslim scholars
Bogor, Indonesia: Muslim scholars from three countries issued
an edict on Saturday saying that violent extremism and terrorism,
including suicide attacks, are against Islamic principles, in an effort to
convince the Taliban to end their violence. Seventy prominent scholars
from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Indonesia issued the fatwa, or edict,
at a conference in Indonesia on ways to achieve peace and stability in
Afghanistan.
Taliban warning
The Taliban urged Islamic clerics to boycott the Bogor conference and
warned Afghan clerics, “Do not afford an opportunity to the invading
infidels in Afghanistan to misuse your name and participation in
this conference as means of attaining their malicious objective.”
Indonesian President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, who opened the one-day meeting, stressed Indonesia’s commitment to helping build peace in the country. Mr. Widodo said the conference was part of Indonesia’s efforts to encourage the role of Islamic clerics, or ulema, in promoting peace in Afghanistan.
“Through the voice of ulema, mainly from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Indonesia, presumably the spirit of brotherhood for peace in Afghanistan can be strengthened,” Mr. Widodo said.
The Indonesian leader said: “Ulema are the agents of peace ... they have the power to form the face of peaceful people.” In a declaration, the scholars said Islam was a religion of peace and denounced all kinds of violent extremism and terrorism.
“We reaffirm that violence and terrorism cannot and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group, as violent extremism and terrorism in all its forms and manifestation, including violence against civilians and suicide attacks, are against the holy principles of Islam,” the declaration said.
The conference at the presidential palace in Bogor, a West Java town on the outskirts of Jakarta, was organized by the Indonesian Ulema Council.
From media reports Sat, May 12 2018. http://www.thehindu.com/news/ international/