Okaz/Saudi Gazette RIYADH — The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Secretary General Dr. Yusuf Al-Othaimeen has disclosed that the Islamic Summit, scheduled to be held in Makkah on Friday, is being convened at an important time the Muslim Ummah is passing through. The summit derives its importance from the honor of the place and time. He drew attention to the fact that holding the summit's 14th session in Makkah, the heart of the Muslim Ummah, shows the great status of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the heart of every Muslim and Arab. In an interview with Okaz/Saudi Gazette, Al-Othaimeen said: "We are optimistic the summit will provide results that will contribute to solving the problems of the Muslim world. At the same time, the summit asserts the strength of this gathering in unifying the Muslim ranks and emphasizing the Ummah's joint destiny." Al-Othaimeen added that there are many subjects that will be tabled for discussion. They are all for the interest of the Ummah (nation), which regrettably, is facing meddling in its affairs, and the dangers of terrorism and extremism, that are a threat to all societies. The Islamophobia dossier will be of great importance in the summit, as the phenomenon is causing concern and has increased the acts of violence against Muslims in many countries. The last of these was the horrific terrorist crime that shook New Zealand — the ugly and treacherous killing of 51 Muslims — and the world. The victims were innocent people and their only crime was that they were Muslims, Al-Othaimeen said. The Palestine dossier will have a strong presence in the summit. He added that the OIC was established for the sake of the Palestinian cause, which will remain the main cause until the end of the brutal occupation. He further said that Islamophobia has greatly impacted Muslims' conditions in non-Mulsim countries and their lifestyle. Not only this, but many of them are being hurled with insults although they are living in their own countries, whose nationality they are holding. Furthermore, they are contributing to those countries' security and development. The Muslims in those countries are being mistreated not due to negligence on their part or violation of their country's laws, but just because they are Muslims. This big tragedy was caused by the hateful racist discourse that has been going on for several years. It also proved the spark for the recent terrorist attacks in New Zealand that targeted two mosques in Christchurch city, claiming the lives of 51 peaceful Muslims.
