Executive council of Islamic affairs ministerial conference meets in Rabat

The Executive Council of the conference of ministers of Islamic affairs and habous (endowments) started proceedings of its 7th session in Rabat on Wednesday.

The session, held under the aegis of King Mohammed VI, is meant to prepare for the ministerial conference, slated for October 2001 in Malaysia.

The session is debating several issues related to the training of preachers and the setting up of a world body of Islamic heritage and will look into several proposals by member countries.

In an opening address, Moroccan minister of habous and Islamic affairs, Abdelkebir M'Daghri Alaoui, said Islamic countries covered strides in elaborating a strategy meant to explain Islam in all languages and improve its image abroad and have drafted plans to safeguard Islamic heritage.

Islamic affairs ministries must contribute to the endeavor and should not limit their actions to the daily management of endowments and mosques constructions, but should also promote the values of moderation, overture and tolerance.

Saudi Minister of Islamic affairs and Waqf, Sheikh Salah Al-Sheikh also outlined the role of Islamic affairs departments in upholding and spreading Islam and called on Muslim states to join efforts to take up challenges.

The executive council members were received Wednesday in Fez by King Mohammed VI.

The executive council, stemming from the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) musters Egypt, Gambia, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.