Muslim World: Problems and Solutions

In a speech read out on his behalf, ISESCO Director General underlined that the Muslim world is beset
with numerous problems. Almost half of the Muslim world population (35%) are illiterate, and more than
one third (35%) are jobless and therefore unproductive.

And one stark result of illiteracy and unemployment, in addition to the glaring political and economic
failings, is that a near two-third of Muslims (60%) are poor, in a rich Muslim world. Worst even, he
added, Muslims import most of their food from the west as they cultivate only 11.4% of arable lands.
The Muslim world is confronted with serious other problems, not the least of which are mounting
sectarian strife and fanaticism, poor cultural awareness, display of indecent forms of entertainment by
visual and other media, not to mention the regional powers incessantly meddling into the internal affairs
of neighbor countries and fueling chaos and instability.
It is clear, upon close examination of the countless problems facing the Muslim world at this very critical
point of time in our history, that comprehensive reform is urgent. Reformation should start with fighting
political, administrative and financial malfeasance, which are the root causes for rampant social decay
and moral depravity and the main contributory factor to political and social disorder.
A careful look at the Muslim world conditions, past and present, reveals that political, administrative
and financial corruption, along with social and moral disintegration, arise when people wander from the
way of Allah. Islam upholds the values of good governance based on mutual consultation (Shura) among
decision-makers, transparency and accountability.

These noble values are grounded in the fundamental principle of respect for human dignity and human
rights. The obstacles to integrated progress and unity in todays Muslim world are numerous and varied,
but mainly political, administrative, economic, social, educational and cultural.

The following considerations hold notions to the opportunity to improve the living conditions of Muslim
peoples :

A first step to this, would be promoting peace and cooperation, asserting the inalienable sovereignty of
the law, preserving human rights and fundamental freedoms, and fostering good governance, Shura and
accountability.
Secondly, Focusing on these principles is an important shift in approaching the Muslim world problems,
which have ballooned into serious crisis threatening to undermine the political stability and integrity of
Muslim countries.

One more thing that enemies are seeking to foment division and strife among Muslims, and that any
further procrastination to bring about complete reform will be playing into the hands of these hostile
parties wanting to keep Muslims in bondage from forging ahead.
Furthur more, governments and peoples must join up for reform, stepping up the values of good
governance, mutual consultation, accountability and respect for human rights and public liberties. For
building peace, stability and harmony for Muslims requires that these principles and values be observed.
And history teaches us that reform comes with the effort to bring peace and stability and promote good
governance, within a legal, constitutional, political, economic and social structure for greater mutual
consultation, participation in decision making and accountability.
Another key approach to solving the problems facing the Muslim world, is to renew the education system,
extend boundaries for scientific and technological progress, stimulate innovation, attend to the youth and
increase their understanding of their rights and civic obligations, promote womens rights for them to best
serve the interests of their societies, preserve the diversity in Islamic jurisprudence, and combat
extremism, fanaticism, sectarianism and all other aberrations tearing Muslims apart.

Conclusion :
Problems involving political, economic, social and other aspects cannot be solved unless complete
reform is undertaken towards full partnership between the rulers and the ruled, based on mutual respect,
cooperation in righteousness and piety and sincere advice in ways that would benefit Muslim individuals,
their community, nation, and the Muslim Ummah.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR KIND ATTENTION!