“The world has known Oman, through its ancient and honorable history, as an active civilized entity, influential in the growth and prosperity of the region and the establishment of security and peace in it. Generations take turns raising its banner and ensuring that Oman’s message of peace continues to roam the world” – His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik.
JISRA partners from Iraq, Indonesia, Uganda, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mali and Nigeria were hosted in Oman, Muscat for a 3-day workshop on training on advancing knowledge on Islam and FoRB. The Workshop led by The Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers aimed at strengthening and enhancing the inclusiveness, knowledge, and effectiveness of JISRA country programmes and partnerships pertaining to the intersection of Islamic theology, tradition and tolerance, mutual respect, understanding, and co-existence between different religious communities for a peaceful society. The Network continues to provide technical expertise, advice, and support to the JISRA consortium and partners on Islamic theology, faith literacy, and perspectives on Freedom of Religion and Belief through capacity-building support.
The training aimed at advancing religious literacy on Islam and FoRB this was done through improving knowledge of participants enabling them to understand better the different schools of thought within Islam. The participants were introduced to tools to analyze and engage in Islam and FoRB from an Islamic perspective and support advocacy processes.
They were introduced to Islamic concepts and practices that could be contextualized in the specific JISRA context, this was done through presentations and facilitated conversation for the duration of the training. Dr. Afeefa Syeed took the participants through different session where she highlighted the connection between Islam and FoRB; why culture matters in FoRB. She was able to engage the participants on the Madinah Charter and explored verses on Religious Freedom or Belief in the Quran.
The training combined learning, interactive exercises, videos, peer-to-peer exchange and case studies the training highlighted the role of religious leaders in FoRB interventions in dealing with hate speech and lack of mutual understanding in Muslim majority Countries. The participants were taken through the Marrekesh declaration by Dr. Mohamed Elsanousi, Executive Director The Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers.
The training achieved its main objectives which were for the participants to be able to recognize the internal diversity and pluralism from an Islamic perspective; be able to distinguish prescriptive statements made by Muslim Religious leaders from descriptive or analytical statements; and also, be able to understand how different Islamic schools of thought have shaped- and are shaped by- the experiences and histories of individuals, communities and countries. The training also helped the partners to be able to interpret how religious expressions use cultural symbols and artistic representations of their times and contexts.
The training was graced by H.E. Dr. Mohammad bin Said Al Mamari, Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs in Oman who emphasised on the importance of understanding and recognising each other’s right.
“Understanding each other and recognition of others’ rights, diversity, differences, humanity, being and beliefs brings co-existence and peace.” -H.E. Dr. Mohammad bin Said Al Mamari.
In addition to the training the participants were hosted by the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs to attend an annual event of commemoration of the International Day for Tolerance. The commemoration was held in collaboration with the Network for Religious and Traditional Peace Makers. The Ministry holds the annual event to promote the culture of understanding, coexistence, peace based on united human values.
With the diversity of the participants across the JISRA partners symbolized a collaboration that contributed and helped develop a shared vision of the future where the world stood united in harmony and peace.
“In the world today, we face a series of unpredictable local, national and international challenges. Whether poverty, human rights violations, victims of conflicts, wars, economic collapse, climate change, hate speech or the breakdown of values and ethics, the upheaval we are witnessing, reminds us of our shared human values and the benefits of the common good.” – Dr. Mohammad bin Said Al Mamari, Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs, The Sultanate of Oman
By Mary N.
