Muslims often complain, with justification, that Westerners do not understand the true Islam. However, North American Muslims sometimes wonder, when hearing about bombs killing innocent people, sectarian murders, injustices and corruption in some Muslim countries, whether Muslims themselves truly understand Islam or try to follow its teachings. Not that North American Muslims are the best examples of Islamic conduct. But they try, within limitations, to follow their faith in a diverse, multifaith, technological and busy society and to contribute to the countries where they reside. In Ottawa, Canada's capital, Muslims are trying a new approach. They have formed the Muslim Coordinating Council of the National Capital Region (MCC-NCR). Its objective is to prod Muslims and Muslim organizations to supplement building mosques and to also bolster the community. The need is pressing. Though Canada offers a high standard of living, many Muslims there have come from war-torn, turbulent lands and suffer from trauma. Several are without adequate family support. No wonder far more Muslims, especially youth, are in jail than is warranted by their percentage of the population. New immigrants, widows, the mentally ill, disabled, seniors, single parents and widowers are among those needing help. They get some assistance from the government and from Jewish, Catholic and other organizations. Some Muslim groups, like the Sadaqa Food Bank, also help. What MCC seeks to do is to encourage all Muslim organizations and Muslims to work together to provide effective help. MCC also seeks to have Muslims develop friendly cooperation with fellow Canadians of other faiths. Some Muslim organizations are involved in interfaith work, but MCC wants to have Muslims and other Canadians work together to promote human rights and dignity for all Canadians. They believe such networking is in keeping with Islam's message of the brotherhood of man and that by working together Canadians will be able to eliminate racism and bigotry. What distinguishes MCC from other organizations is that in it Sunni, Shia, women's and youth organizations are working together for their common goals. MCC's progress is very slow. But at least it is going in the right direction. And now comes some good news from the United States. At the recent convention of the Islamic Society of North America in Washington D.C., Sunni and Shia scholars and organizations decided to join hands to serve the community. How effective they will be remains to be seen, but their very agreement to work together to promote brotherhood is a big step forward. ISNA president Imam Mohamed Magid called it a “very moving moment for the history of Islam in America” and said: “ISNA is a platform for the unity of Muslims - whatever brings Muslims together strengthens all of them.” A committee of respected scholars was formed to actively promote unity among Muslims. Signatories to the statement of objectives of the committee stated that they were guided by the holy verse, “And hold steadfastly to the rope of Allah collectively and do not be separate,” and the advice of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him), who stated, “Your blood and wealth are sacred to you” as well as his other statement, “The believer is the brother of another believer, together they are like a strong building, one supports the other.” Committee members and signers of the declaration agreed to send the full declaration to other scholars and to organizations. Its points, in brief, are: 1. All Muslims are one nation, even if the schools of thought are diverse. Such diversity … should not be the cause of accusations of disbelief, murder and the desecration of sanctities. 2. Islam forbids the use of unethical and unjustified methods of negative propaganda in the name of religion or school of thought. 3. Islam prohibits support for such acts. 4. Islam forbids the violation of man's rights and indicting people based on religious beliefs, sect and thought. 5. The role of religious scholars is to spread knowledge, tolerance and brotherhood. 6. Islamic organizations should guide youth to be pious, ethical, knowledgeable and moderate without negligence or excess. These points were taken from a declaration made at the 13th annual conference of the Council of Shia Muslim Scholars of North America, entitled “Sectarian Violence: Its Origins, Results and Solutions,” which was held in September in Washington D.C. and was attended by Muslims of diverse sects. The conference discussed important current issues, including unrest, destruction, genocide and forcing people to become refugees in many parts of the world, including Muslim countries. The scholars agreed that such divisions and destructive actions violate the fundamental teachings of Islam. They prayed for Allah's guidance and assistance in their effort to promote peace and brotherhood among Muslims and also among the people of the world. It is a welcome call that should be practiced by Muslims throughout the world. – Mohammed Azhar Ali Khan is a retired Canadian journalist, civil servant and refugee judge
