UNA Lauds Muslim World League’s Initiative on Girls’ Education

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UNA Lauds Muslim World League’s Initiative on Girls’ Education

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ABU DHABI:The recent inauguration of the BAPS temple in Abu Dhabi by Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlights an interesting irony. This grand temple stands in the Muslim-majority UAE, where secularization is on the rise. This event comes shortly after the inauguration of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir in India. While Modi’s government in India blurs the lines between the state and Hindu faith and undermines minority rights, the UAE moves in the opposite direction. The UAE’s secularization, influencing Saudi Arabia as well, is a significant development in the Islamic world. This shift challenges India’s secular values. The UAE has attracted people of various religions and backgrounds to live and work there. Despite Islam being the official religion, the government allows diverse religious practices. Non-Muslims, forming a quarter of the population, have space to worship freely, with many churches, a synagogue, and a gurdwara present. Hindu gatherings and celebrations are also welcomed. The UAE’s tolerance extends beyond religion. Alcohol and pork are available, and Ramadan fasting rules are relaxed. Women have freedom in dress, and discrimination based on religion is rare. These progressive attitudes influence neighboring Saudi Arabia, where Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) is spearheading modernization efforts by reducing Islamic influence and cutting support for radical groups worldwide. This trend towards secularization in the UAE and potentially Saudi Arabia marks a significant shift in the Islamic world. For India, reduced Saudi funding for conservative mosques could lead to a return to moderate religious guidance for Indian Muslims. The UAE’s example challenges the Hindu nationalist dream of a Hindu majoritarian state, often compared to Saudi Arabia’s treatment of non-Muslims. Modi, at the temple inauguration, praised the UAE’s diversity, contrasting India’s fading secularism. As Hindu residents in UAE face this contrast, it prompts reflection on India’s trajectory. The writer, a private equity investor, emphasizes the importance of embracing diversity and secular values in both countries.

Jeddah: The Union of News Agencies (UNA) of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has praised the outcomes of the global conference on the Muslim World League’s initiative to promote girls’ education in Muslim societies. The conference, held in Islamabad, Pakistan, concluded on January 12, 2025, with significant participation from ministers, scholars, diplomats, and representatives of regional and international organizations.

“Islamabad Declaration” Gains Historic Approval
The event culminated in the adoption of the “Islamabad Declaration on Girls’ Education,” which received historic support from prominent Islamic scholars, jurisprudence councils, international organizations, and global activists. The declaration underscores the Islamic legal stance advocating girls’ right to education and aims to remove barriers that hinder their access to learning.

Global Partnerships for a Noble Cause
A key highlight of the conference was the launch of a global platform for partnerships, which will serve as the initiative’s executive arm. Over 20 agreements and pledges were signed by senior scholars, heads of Islamic councils, UN organizations, and leaders from academia, research, media, and civil institutions.

UNA’s Commitment to Girls’ Education
Speaking on the occasion, UNA Director General Mohammed bin Abdul Rabbah Al-Yami emphasized the Union’s commitment to advancing girls’ education through media efforts. He commended the Muslim World League, under the leadership of Secretary-General Sheikh Dr. Muhammad bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa, for its pivotal role in addressing critical issues in the Islamic world and advocating for girls’ education rights.

Strengthening Media and Educational Efforts
During the conference, UNA signed multiple memoranda of cooperation, including agreements with the Muslim World League and the University of Management and Technology in Pakistan. These agreements aim to enhance media support for girls’ education and provide professional and cognitive training opportunities for girls in Muslim societies.

A Global Step Forward
The conference marks a significant step in empowering girls in the Islamic world through education, reinforcing the principles of justice, equality, and opportunity within Islamic teachings.

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