Ahmad al-Amudi – Jeddah

His Eminence Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayyah; Professor at the University of King Abdul Aziz and member of the European Council for Fatwa, rejected an analyst’s assertion that the International Union of Muslim Scholars (“IUMS”) is an extension of the ‘Big Middle East’ project. Bin Bayyah mentioned in his speech to Al Risalah newspaper: “This is comic! We have no relation to the Big Middle East project.” He added: “Most of those who joined the Union did not know about such project or show any concern for it. Undoubtedly, some of them may actually be against the whole idea of such a project.”

Sheikh Bin Bayyah proceeded: “I think that this claim entails a hidden motive, bearing in mind that the Union welcomes all Muslims all over the world. Scholars who join it belong to all globalMadhahib (“schools of jurisprudence”) and attitudes from Indonesia to America. Participation in the Union is open to whoever believes in the unity of the Muslim world and its common interests and is ambitious for the pioneering status of the Muslim nation. All Muslim scholars known for serving Islam can join the Union.”

On the other hand, regarding annoyances caused to the Union, Bin Bayyah said: “No annoyances have emerged so far except for the founding meeting that was held in London. At that time we faced some difficulties caused by International Zionism and some right-wingers who created disturbance and confusion against the head of the Union Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi. All Praise be to Allah Alone! Such plans failed and we were safe.”

It is worth mentioning that an analyst once wrote that it is debatable whether or not the IUMS actually aims to establish a universal Islamic reference, uninfluenced by governments. The concerned analyst stated: “This conference, its time, place, attendees, idea and suggested agenda provokes – without false accusation – many doubts.” He referred to some questions that the conference discussed after announcing the opening of the Union that focused on women in the Muslim world, violence, and the relationship between Muslims and others.

It is, however, noteworthy that the IUMS has a large number of members, including Muslim scholars, Muftis (“Islamic scholars qualified to issue legal opinions”) and intellectuals. The Union aims at forming a united reference for the Muslim Ummah (“nation”) that studies new issues without being influenced or stressed by any external authority.

Source: Appendix of Al Risalah newspaper