The call from Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah for an Islamic Summit in Makkah next month comes at an appropriate time. The pressing need for such a conference is being felt as the situation in Iraq and elsewhere in the Middle East is fast deteriorating and threatens to poison the cordial relations among the countries of the region and even to make Iraq itself a theater of sectarian conflict. The selection of Makkah by King Abdullah as the place to host this significant gathering is meaningful and will inspire Muslim leaders to make proper decisions. It will be a chance for them to regain the trust of the Muslim peoples all over the world. Makkah is the best place for this conference as it is the most sacred among all places and is the holy city selected by Allah to be the Qiblah for Muslims all over the world. Furthermore, it is to Makkah that Muslims go to perform Haj and Umrah:
“And proclaim the Pilgrimage among men: They will come to thee on foot and (mounted) on every kind of camel, lean on account of journeys through deep and distant mountain highways.” (Surah 22:27)
On the other hand, we should reflect that it was also here in Makkah that Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) prayed to Allah and said: “O my Lord! Make this city one of peace and security: And preserve me and my sons from worshipping idols.” (Surah 14:35)
“O our Lord! I have made some of my offspring to dwell in a valley without cultivation, by thy Sacred House; in order, O our Lord, that they may establish regular prayer: So fill the hearts of some among men with love toward them, and feed them with fruits: So that they may give thanks.” (Surah 14:37)
For all these reasons this historical city still receives millions of Muslims from all corners of the world 24 hours a day all the year around.
We must recall that Mount Al-Nour, on whose top is the auspicious cave where Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to dwell in retreat and reflection. It was in this cave that the first revelations came to him to start dawa for the cause of Allah.
King Abdul Aziz, the founder of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, acknowledged the unique and prestigious position of the holy city. He made it the spiritual capital of the new state he established in Arabia and felt homesick whenever he was forced to stay away. His sons who succeeded him did — and are doing — the same.
It is our sincere hope that the leaders will engage in a constructive, objective, and fruitful dialogue that will address all issues of major concern to the Muslim world, and will come up with proper and long-awaited decisions that will lift the spirits and raise the hopes for a better future, for our coming generations by the blessings and grace of Allah.
I wish to take this opportunity to thank King Abdullah for his purposeful initiative, and pray to Allah to make this conference a blessed one that will put an end to our disappointments and deep-rooted sufferings. It is a courageous decision that will materialize the dreams of one strong Muslim world that has one vision, one voice and one word.
— Dr. Mohammed Abdo Yamani is a former minister of information. He is based in Jeddah.
