Initiative born in the Far East, from the largest Islamic country in the world, or to create an "International Islamic Council of Muslim sages on the concept and updating of moderation in contemporary society". The President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo promoted the platform.
At the inauguration, which took place yesterday May 1st in the city of Bogor, there were 50 Muslim religious leaders from South East Asia and 50 from all over the world, including Italy, the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, Korea, Africa and China . Guest of honor in the inaugural session was Shaykh Al-Azhar Ahmad Al-Thayyib, rector of the Al-Azhar University in Cairo, who supported the initiative of the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo:
“Our intention - underlined Widodo - is to create from Indonesia a mainstream and pioneering global movement of moderate Islamic leaders to inspire leaders, scholars, young people and Muslims to remain steadfast on the path of Islamic moderation. A great Islamic movement for social justice, based on the method of common consent, shura, which will provide hope for the birth of a more peaceful, secure, prosperous and just world ”.
And why from Indonesia?
“Not only because it is the largest Islamic country in the world - explained President Widodo during the opening speeches - but it is one of the most successful examples of how great religious and ethnic diversity can live in harmony. Diversity must be considered as a gift from God. Diversity is the source of power that makes Indonesia a strong nation, a democratic country with the largest Muslim population in the world ”.
Also present was the special advisor to the UN Secretary General and a representative of the World Islamic League (Muslim World League).
For Italian Islam, Imam Yahya Pallavicini, president of the Italian COREIS (Islamic Religious Community) was invited, who spoke in the session this morning 2 May alongside the emeritus Mufti of Bosnia and the representative of the OCI, the most prestigious Establishment of the Islamic Conference to which 54 states of the Muslim world adhere.
The international meeting will end in Jakarta tomorrow 3 May with a final statement.